Three individuals, identified as Bobby Banks, Leonard Banks, and Wiley Belt, were apprehended by the authorities in Missouri for their involvement in the 1989 murder of Kelle Ann Workman. The arrests followed a significant development in the investigation when someone came forward with valuable information regarding the suspects’ connection to the crime.
Kelle Ann Workman was reported missing on June 30, 1989, in Douglas County. Eight days later, her body was discovered in a national forest in Christian County. Douglas County officials shared these details during a press conference on Wednesday.
The person who came forward with the information was not directly linked to the investigation but held crucial knowledge that helped law enforcement piece together the case. According to Douglas County Prosecuting Attorney Matt Weatherman, this individual reached out to authorities within the last couple of months and provided information that helped identify the suspects.
The three men had previously been under investigation in relation to the cold case, according to Douglas County Sheriff Chris Degase, who made this announcement during the press conference. The suspects were arrested and charged with first-degree murder, kidnapping, and rape in connection to Workman’s death.
Belt and Leonard Banks have since been represented by legal counsel, while the status of Bobby Banks’ representation remains unclear. The suspects were arraigned and are currently being held on a $250,000 cash bond each, as per the information provided by Weatherman. A court hearing is scheduled for March 5 for all three individuals, according to available court records.
The identity of the person who came forward with the information remains undisclosed. Weatherman stated that there would be live witnesses during the trial, who will testify to what they have observed and their beliefs. The jury is expected to make a decision based on this testimony.
Workman’s family has expressed relief at the recent developments, as they shared their thoughts with law enforcement personnel. “We’re able to give Kelle some justice and hopefully give the family some closure,” Degase commented during the press conference.
