Fulton police identify man after body found in Stinson Creek
FULTON, Mo. (KMIZ)
The Fulton Police Department is investigating after a man's body was found in Stinson Creek early Monday morning.
Police said officers recovered the body of a Black man in his mid-20s around 1 a.m. in the creek between 7th Street and Route F. The victim has been identified as Donald Simmons, 26, according to the police department.
When ABC 17 News arrived at the location, they saw police officers investigating part of Stinson Creek near the Westminster College baseball field. Our news crew saw what appeared to be six officers searching the water and the nearby area.
A few of the investigators were looking in the water with shovels, digging for what may have been evidence. There is a path that leads from the baseball field to what the officer told ABC 17 News is a running trail.
Sarah Backer, Media and Content Strategist for Westminster College sent ABC 17 News a statement saying that Simmons was not a student, faculty member or staff member at Westminster and there is no threat to campus.
"This matter is part of an investigation by law enforcement; therefore, we are not able to share many details. We can confirm what the Fulton Police Department issued in their press release this morning and that the victim was not a Westminster student, faculty member, or staff member. Based on information they shared with us, there is no immediate or ongoing threat to our campus community. At this time, our thoughts go out to the victim’s family and to law enforcement as they all work through the loss and investigation." Said Backer
According to the police department, the man had been shot several times. Steve Myers, Chief of Fulton Police Department said they found evidence that make them believe Simmons was shot at the creek.
"We did find multiple shell casings there in that immediate area so we do know that he was shot right there" said Myers.
Myers said that a family who lives in the area called about Simmons body being in the creek. Their new dog ran away from home again and they were trying to find him.
"Last night, he got out again. So, they went over there thinking he probably went back over there again. Then when they cross that concrete walk-way there, then they saw, or the young man saw the body then" Said Myers.
Myers added that a situation like this is very unusual for the area. However, the community shouldn't be concerned for their safety.
"Tell the community that they're certainly safe. This is an isolated incident we believe. We're not concerned about other incidences occurring from this" said Myers.
Fulton Police said they are currently waiting on an autopsy for Simmons that will give me them more details regarding his death and it should be back tomorrow.
At this time, Fulton Police say they do not have any suspects and are still interviewing people. The investigation is still ongoing.
Anyone who was with or saw Simmons over the last 72 hours is asked to call the Fulton Police Department at 573-592-3107 or CrimeStoppers.
