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Human remains found in a barrel in the Missouri River have been identified as those of Jaynie Crosdale, a woman who was considered a potential witness in a case against Timothy Haslett Jr. Haslett is accused of holding a Black woman hostage in his basement. The Clay County Prosecutor’s Office presented the evidence to the court and expressed concern for the safety of the community. Haslett’s bond was not increased. He faces multiple charges, including rape and kidnapping. Minyvonne Burke reported
Last week, the human remains discovered in a barrel submerged in the Missouri River were positively identified as belonging to a woman who was considered a potential witness in a case involving a Missouri man accused of holding a Black woman hostage in his basement. During a hearing on Monday, prosecutors sought to increase the bond for Timothy Haslett Jr., the white defendant, by presenting evidence that Jaynie Crosdale, the woman found in the barrel, had been inside Haslett’s home in Excelsior Springs before his arrest in October. The Clay County Prosecutor’s Office, while withholding further details, confirmed that they had presented the evidence to the court.
In January, Excelsior Springs police had identified Crosdale as a potential witness in Haslett’s case and had requested public assistance in locating her, as they believed she possessed crucial information about the investigation. Sadly, Crosdale’s lifeless body was later discovered in a blue barrel in the Missouri River by kayakers. The Excelsior Springs police have not responded to requests for comment at this time.
Following the identification of Crosdale’s remains, prosecutors swiftly filed a motion to increase Haslett’s bond, expressing concern for the safety of the community. They argued that the current bond of $3 million was insufficient to ensure the safety of the community and the victim. However, the court ruled against raising Haslett’s bond, and his attorney has yet to provide a comment.
Haslett was arrested last October after a 22-year-old victim, who remains unidentified, managed to escape from his basement while wearing a metal dog collar. She sought help from neighbors, explaining that she had been held captive and subjected to assault. Lisa Johnson, one of the neighbors who assisted the victim, recounted hearing a faint plea for help outside her front door while she was preparing for work. Johnson described the victim looking directly at her and pleading for assistance.
Johnson disclosed that the victim had feared for their lives if the police were called, as Haslett had threatened to harm them both. Nevertheless, Johnson decided to alert the authorities regardless. She expressed understanding for the victim’s initial reluctance to involve the police but emphasized her determination to help.
According to a probable cause statement submitted in October, police discovered the victim wearing a metal collar secured with a padlock and latex lingerie, with duct tape covering her mouth. The victim revealed that Haslett had picked her up in early September and confined her in a small room within his basement, restraining her with handcuffs on her wrists and ankles. The probable cause document further detailed the victim’s claims of repeated rape and physical abuse. She managed to escape when Haslett temporarily left to take his child to school.
In February, Haslett was indicted on charges including first-degree rape, first-degree sodomy, first-degree kidnapping, second-degree assault, and endangering a child. If convicted, he could potentially face multiple life sentences.
Please note that this article was originally published on NBCNews.com..
