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The human remains found in a barrel in the Missouri River have been identified as belonging to Jaynie Crosdale, a potential witness in the case against Timothy Haslett Jr. Haslett is accused of holding a Black woman hostage in his basement. Prosecutors sought a higher bond for Haslett due to concerns for community safety, but the court ruled against increasing it. Haslett faces multiple charges, including rape and kidnapping, and could receive multiple life sentences if convicted. Minyvonne Burke reported
Last week, the human remains discovered in a barrel in the Missouri River were positively identified as those of a woman who was believed to be a potential witness in the case against a Missouri man accused of holding a Black woman captive in his basement. During a hearing on Monday, prosecutors revealed that the woman found in the barrel, Jaynie Crosdale, had been inside Timothy Haslett Jr.’s residence prior to his arrest in October. The Clay County Prosecutor’s Office did not provide additional information but confirmed that the evidence had been presented to the court.
In January, Excelsior Springs police had identified Crosdale as a potential witness in Haslett’s case and had sought the public’s assistance in locating her. At the time, authorities believed that she possessed information relevant to the investigation. Unfortunately, Crosdale was later found deceased after kayakers discovered her body inside a blue barrel in the Missouri River. Details regarding her death have not yet been released by the police.
Upon confirming the identity of her remains, prosecutors promptly filed a motion to increase Haslett’s bond, expressing concerns about the safety of the community. They argued that his current bond of $3 million was insufficient to guarantee the protection of the community and the victim. However, the court ultimately decided against raising Haslett’s bond. As of now, his attorney has not issued a statement regarding the court’s decision.
In October, Haslett was apprehended after a 22-year-old woman, who remains unidentified, managed to escape from his basement while wearing a metal dog collar. She sought help from neighbors, stating that she had been held captive and subjected to assault. Lisa Johnson, one of the neighbors who offered assistance, recalled hearing a faint plea for help outside her front door while preparing for work. The victim made direct eye contact with Johnson and urgently asked for assistance. Despite the victim’s fear that contacting the police would endanger both of them, Johnson promptly alerted the authorities.
When the police arrived, they discovered the woman wearing a metal collar secured with a padlock, latex lingerie, and duct tape covering her mouth. These distressing details were documented in a probable cause statement filed in October. The victim recounted that Haslett had abducted her in early September and confined her to a small room in his basement. She further revealed that he had restrained her with handcuffs, repeatedly subjected her to sexual assault and physical abuse, and only managed to escape when Haslett left to take his child to school.
In February, Haslett was indicted on multiple charges, including first-degree rape, first-degree sodomy, first-degree kidnapping, second-degree assault, and endangering a child. If convicted, he could face more than five life sentences in prison.
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