Crime
Dismembered Remains Found in Colorado Identified as Texas Teen Amanda Leariel Overstreet, Missing Since 2005
Overstreet was the biological daughter of the previous owner of the property where her remains were found.
Grand Junction, Colorado – Authorities in Colorado have identified human remains found stored in a freezer nearly ten months ago as those of Amanda Leariel Overstreet.
Overstreet was a teenager from Harris County, Texas, who vanished in 2005.
The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office discovered the remains shortly after a home in Grand Junction was sold in January.
The remains, consisting of a human head and a set of hands, were found by someone who arrived to claim the freezer, which was being offered for free by the new owner of the property.
Investigators confirmed that the remains belonged to Overstreet, who was estimated to be around 16 years old at the time of her disappearance.
Overstreet was the biological daughter of the previous owner of the property where her remains were found.
Despite being a resident of both Harris County, Texas, and Grand Junction, Colorado, Overstreet was never reported missing.
Christian County, Mo. — Authorities have identified the suspect accused of fatally shooting a deputy with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office during a traffic stop as Richard Bird.
At the time the Blue Alert was issued, the suspect had not yet been taken into custody.
According to law enforcement officials, the deputy initiated a traffic stop involving a 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck along State Highway 160 near Highlandville.
During the stop, the suspect allegedly opened fire, fatally wounding the deputy before fleeing the scene.
The suspect was reported to have traveled southbound on Highway 160 following the shooting.
Authorities described the suspect vehicle as a black 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck equipped with a silver brush guard, black body trim, tinted rear windows, and a three-ball trailer hitch. The vehicle was bearing Missouri license plate 9MG-X36.
A statewide Blue Alert was issued to notify the public and assist in locating the suspect.
Law enforcement officials urged residents not to approach the vehicle or suspect if located, but instead to immediately call 911 and provide detailed information while remaining at a safe distance.
Christian County is situated south of Springfield and north of Branson, an area that sees significant travel due to its proximity to the Ozarks.
Multiple agencies across the region coordinated efforts in response to the alert.
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting or the status of the investigation.
Law enforcement officials expressed their condolences to the deputy’s family, colleagues, and the community as they continue to pursue justice in the case.