Search for missing Skidmore man enters 18th year

• Apr 21, 2019 Updated 

Branson Perry

Eighteen years ago, Branson Perry disappeared from the town of Skidmore, Missouri, and now the Nodaway County Sheriff Office is reaching out on social media for new leads.

“We have reinitiated going back through this case and are looking at how we can bring it back to life and is there anything else we can do to make it work,” said Sheriff Randy Strong.

According to Strong, who said he began looking into the disappearance two years ago following his election, the case has had few leads in almost two decades. Strong said this is partially due to the fact that Perry was last seen on April 11, 2001, at a residence that burned down only days later.

Strong said he believes drugs were involved in the incident, something Perry’s aunt, Gail MacMurray, said she is unsure of.

“Branson told me a lot about his personal life, but there were some things that he protected me from or would not talk to me about,” MacMurray said.

MacMurray is one of the last remaining relatives of Perry, with his mother, father, grandparents and others having passed since his disappearance. MacMurray said that for many years the family has been working to find clues about Perry’s disappearance alongside the Missouri State Highway Patrol. MacMurray, Strong and Dustin Lyle, who is with the patrol, all believe this is a homicide investigation, not just a missing person case.

“This has just been one nightmare,” MacMurray said. “I want justice served. I want him found. We need the body, we need to find the body, and we need to find him.

Strong said he has his suspicions about who killed Perry, but he has been unable to get much traction on the case.

“There have been some really good detectives that have worked on it in the past. I know most of them from the Highway Patrol and different agencies that have come in and looked,” Strong said. “They’ve laid a really good foundation and I think they’re on target, and it’s up to us to pick up the ball and see if we can take it and finish

MacMurray said she hopes that someone will come forward, even anonymously, with information about what happened to Perry or where his remains can be found.

“We need an end to the nightmare,” MacMurray said. “His family is dwindling, and I want closure. I want an end to the nightmare, so my family and Branson’s mom and little brother can be at peace.”

Anyone with information can contact Nodaway County Sheriff Randy Strong at 660-582-7451, the Missouri State Highway Patrol at 800-877-3452,

http://www.newspressnow.com/watch-search-for-branson-perry-continues-years-later/video_bc38b4f5-a42b-5d3a-8417-18b047e2830e.html

http://www.newspressnow.com/news/local_news/search-for-missing-skidmore-man-enters-th-year/article_ea764f09-1903-54f2-b93c-97d4e10d051f.html

Sheriff’s Dept. renews push to solve 2001 disappearance case of Skidmore resident

 

4/11/19-Story courtesy KXCV/KRNW

This week marks the 18th anniversary of the disappearance of Skidmore, Missouri, resident Branson Perry.

Perry was 20-years-old at the time of his disappearance.

Nodaway County Sheriff Randy Strong said his department has begun another push in trying to solve the case. Strong tells KXCV/KRNW they have a few leads from previous investigations.

“It appears to be drug related,” Strong said. “There are certain individuals whose names keep popping up in it and I think it’s time that we put all this together and come up with what we can and present it to the prosecutor for them to look at and decide, can we go forward if we don’t find a body or do we continue to look and those are some tough decisions that we’re going to have to make.”

Strong said he feels there are people in the area that have direct knowledge of Perry’s disappearance.

“I think we are pretty familiar with the individuals that are responsible, that there’s some other individuals that probably have information that could come forward and help us bring this case back to life,” Strong said.

Strong urges anyone with knowledge of Branson Perry’s disappearance on April 11th, 2001, to contact the Nodaway County Sheriff’s Department. Click here for more information.

NEWS ARTICLE LINK

Nodaway County Sheriff Press Release 4/10/19- Disappearance of Branson Perry

Press Release
Nodaway County Sheriff’s Office- Sheriff Randy Strong

April 11, 2019, will be the 18th year since Branson Perry was last seen alive.

I appeal to those who have direct knowledge of his disappearance, and ask that you find the humanity to come forward and provide us with information.

You can call our office at 660-582-7451 or email me at rstrong@nodawaycounty mo.us.

Randy Strong

Family of missing young man hope hunters can help crack cold case

Posted: Oct 09, 2014 9:31 PM CDT Updated: Oct 09, 2014 9:34 PM CDT

By Laura McCallister, Multimedia Producer

By Betsy Webster, News Reporter

KANSAS CITY, KS (KCTV) – Archery season is already underway in Kansas and a group is hoping hunters might be able to help solve a crime.Hunting is an activity that places people in woods and fields, places where clues could be hiding in open sight.

“Look for clothing, look for bones, look for possibly even dried or weakened blood,” said Lt. Kelli Bailiff with the Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Office.

Bailiff recently received a national award for her work on missing children.

“We have actually found some people that have come forward with some evidence that has been located in some fields or some wooded areas,” she said.

The idea to target hunters for help came from the family of Branson Perry, who went missing from Skidmore, MO, 13 years ago.

“You always have to have hope that he still may be out there, but it doesn’t look good,” said Perry’s stepfather, Jim Klino, when he spoke to KCTV5 in 2012.

Hunters shopping at Cabela’s Thursday night said the idea should have been obvious, but it wasn’t to them.

“It’s not something that crosses my mind and I know out in the field sometimes you see things that don’t necessarily look right, but it’s never really something that I’ve put together that maybe that could be someone’s or of interest to someone,” Travis Hanson said.

“It definitely makes sense to me. I mean you’re out in the wilderness and you see articles of clothing just lying there you kind of, you’d think, ‘well it’s not mine so whose could it be?’” Chad Archibald said.

Bailiff said the best way to handle a discovery is to snap a photo with your phone, then step away, don’t touch it and contact law enforcement with a clear location.

“We don’t want them to become the detective. We want to them let us do the detective work,” Bailiff said.

A photo can be especially important, she said, in weather conditions where potential evidence could wash away before law enforcement can get to it.

A special website has been set up for people to submit a tip regarding the disappearance of Perry.

Community United Effort or CUE also has a website for missing persons.

http://www.kctv5.com/story/26751590/family-of-missing-young-man-hope-hunters-can-help-crack-cold-case

Branson Perry- Missing From A Small Town ( Video)

Family champions dead woman’s wish to find her son’s killer

Posted: Oct 25, 2012 7:58 PM CDT Updated: Nov 08, 2012 7:59 PM CST

By Laura McCallister, Multimedia Producer – email

By Emily Rittman, News Reporter – bio | email

By DeAnn Smith, Digital Content Manager – email

SKIDMORE, MO (KCTV) -A mother who fought to find her missing son lost her battle with cancer, but her fight for justice did not die. A surviving family member said the more than 11-year-old case is not cold.Becky Perry Klino’s son, Branson Perry, 20, disappeared from his father’s Skidmore, MO, home on April 11, 2001, about 3 p.m. On that day Branson told his friend he was putting jumper cables in the shed and would be right back. He has not been seen since. His personal belongings were left behind.His mother spent the ensuing years tirelessly working to find Branson. More than a decade later, his case is unsolved.

“You always have to have hope he may be out there, but it doesn’t look good,” Jim Klino, Becky’s widower, said.

When his wife was diagnosed with cancer, family members desperately tried to see justice served while she was still alive. They now believe she will guide them to find the answers she couldn’t.

Klino often visits his wife headstone. He lost her on Valentine’s Day.

“Everybody in the family wanted her to see, to find justice before she passed. When she was diagnosed with cancer, that was our fight too, so we had two fights going on at the same time,” Klino said.

During his wife’s last days, Klino had to discuss difficult decisions. One of her last wishes included placing Branson’s headstone next to hers.

“A spot for Branson next to her, so when we found Branson’s body, we could put him to rest the right way. So they’d be together,” Klino said.

On Branson’s headstone, the date of his death is the same day he disappeared.

“There are things going on that I can’t say. I’m positive that we are going to find answers and get it solved,” Klino said.

Klino is also positive his wife is once again with the son she searched for.

Becky Klino

“We know they are together in heaven. Becky always said we needed a sign from her in heaven on where he is to put him to rest the right way,” Klino said.

However, he does say they still hold out a minuscule amount of hope that Branson is still alive, but in their heart of hearts they believe he died that day in 2001.

Over the last 11 years, Branson’s case has taken many twists and turns. At one time police suspected Jack Wayne Rogers, who was convicted on federal child pornography charges. He was accused of bragging online that he picked up a young hitchhiker, drugged him, sexually assaulted, mutilated and killed the man who matched Branson’s description. He said he buried the body in a remote area of the Ozarks. Police were unable to find enough evidence to charge him and he later denied any involvement in Branson’s disappearance. Rogers is now in federal prison on an unrelated child pornography conviction and other charges.

Anyone with information about Branson’s disappearance is asked to call  the Missouri Highway Patrol at 816-387-2345. There is a $20,000 reward for information.

http://www.kctv5.com/story/19919775/surviving-family-member-vows-to-never-let-case-of-missing-boy-grow-cold

Family Purchases Headstone for Missing Missouri Man

SKIDMORE, Mo.) More than a decade after the disappearance of a Missouri man, the family and authorities are still looking for answers.

And now, the family has a place to mourn in the disappearance of Branson Perry. Perry’s stepfather, Jim Klino, has purchased a headstone and placed it beside the grave of Perry’s mother.

Perry went missing on April 11, 2001, at his home in Skidmore, Mo.

According to his profile on the CUE Center for Missing Persons website, Perry was cleaning up the house before his father returned from the hospital. Perry went outside to put some jumper cables in a shed, but never returned.

He was officially reported missing on April 17, 2001.

Perry is still classified as a missing person. Circumstances found throughout the investigation has led authorities to suspect foul play.

If you have any information on the disappearance of Branson Perry, contact the CUE Center for Missing Persons directly at (910) 343-1131, at the 24 hour tip line (910) 232-1687, or contact Detective Roger Phillips with the  Missouri Highway Patrol at (816) 387-2345.

http://stjoechannel.com/fulltext/?nxd_id=304902

Hunters Asked to Help Search for Missing People

NORTHWEST, Mo.) It’s an understatement to say it’s a heartbreaking experience when a loved one goes missing.

Several families in northwest Missouri are actually dealing with that sort of crisis right now.

They haven’t stopped searching, and now they’re asking for your help.

Loved ones haven’t paused for a moment since 82-year-old Jean Boxely went missing several days ago.

“She hasn’t taken off, and it’s just a very odd thing that we haven’t seen the car anywhere so it makes it even more scary,” says Kim Grienke, a granddaughter.

Jean Boxely

Boxely was last seen heading toward Laclede after buying $10 in gas and a lottery ticket, but she never made it home.

Law enforcement is optimistic about the search.

“With this being deer season, there’s a lot of hunters out and about. Facebook has been a great contact, a great resource. Traveling for the holidays, that’s a positive. The more people that are looking, the better the chances,” says Tom Parks, Linn County Sheriff.

Unfortunately, Boxely isn’t the only missing person in northwest Missouri.

Branson Perry

Branson Perry’s case has still not been solved.

Also, family of Carol Jo Thompson is are still looking for her.

“I miss my family. I miss Carol. She’s out there somewhere, and she will be found,” says Jessica Thomas, Carol Jo’s niece.

Carol Jo went missing without a trace more than 5 months ago.

Law enforcement doesn’t have any leads at this time, but loved ones aren’t quitting.

“I’m determined to find her. I mean, there’s some kind of strength within me that I’m not even positive about. I think it’s God that’s helping me,” says Judy Courtney, Carol Jo’s sister.

Carol Jo’s family has been working with the CUE Center for Missing Persons.

Right now, the CUE Center says hunters can be a big help.

They too can be eyes and ears in the searches.

“Do I want to think she’s not with us any longer? No, but I have to be real and I have to know that it’s a possibility. It’s a very big possibility,” says Courtney.

Carol Jo Thompson

The CUE Center is asking hunters to look for anything peculiar.

This could include bones, loose dirt that could indicate a grave, or even personal items like glasses or shoes.

“You never imagine you’re hunting for a body, or a person roaming around, and that’s possible,” says Thomas.

A find would be difficult to see, but can bring closure to families.

“Imagine being in the position to look for one of your loved ones, but if you can imagine, do what you would do for your family,” Thomas says.

It’s a little extra effort that could make a huge difference

Carol Jo Thompson’s family says you don’t just have to be a hunter to look outside.

They’re welcoming help from hikers and campers too.

The CUE Center for missing persons says six reports of hunters discovering bodies have come in over the past few weeks.

Becky Klino has passed away-Mother of Branson Perry

It was Becky Klino’s dying wish to find her missing son.

“We would have liked nothing more than to have found him before the passing of his mother,” said Sheldon Lyon with Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Perry’s mother, Becky Klino, passed away Monday after a long battle with cancer.

Klino was actively involved in the search from her son, since he first went missing in April 2001.

Now, those close to the case are pushing forward. Many are more determined than ever to find answers in Perry’s disappearance.

“There is a steady flow of information,” said Monica Caison, with CUE Center for Missing Persons. “I feel like we are going to get a resolution. I don’t know why some cases take so long.”

Billboards with Perry’s face are surfacing again along the Belt Highway in St. Joseph. Nationally Perry’s name continues to circulate as well. He is featured on “America’s Most Wanted” and has his own Facebook page.

“We are keeping his information and his face out there,” said Caison. “It is working, but we hope we get that one call.”

Law enforcement feels leads are more valuable than ever in the case and tips continue to come in.

“We do get information even though it’s quite old,” said Lyon. “Then we act on it.”

The case remains active, but all tips have lead to dead ends.

Those involved still hope to find what they’ve been waiting for for nearly a decade.

“I know there is someone out there that is sitting on the fence,” said Caison. “I just want them to know they can remain anonymous.”

“Will we close the case because we can’t find Branson?” Lyon said. “No. We will keep looking.”

Contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol at (816) 387-2345 or the CUE Center for Missing Persons at (910) 232-1687 with any information on Perry’s disappearance. http://www.ncmissingpersons.org
or leave a confidential tip on Branson Perry’s website:
http://www.bransonperry.com/submit-confidential-tip/

News video source:
http://stjoechannel.com/fulltext-news?nxd_id=186626

Branson Perry Anniversary Renews Hope.

Apr 12, 2010

http://www.bransonperry.com

Branson Perry: Anniversary Renews Hope

Submit a confidential tip
Contact:
Missouri State Highway Patrol
(816)387-2345
or
CUE CENTER FOR MISSING PERSONS-(910) 232-1687 -24 Hour Line Tip Line
or you can submit a tip via Branson’s website at http://www.bransonperry.com