2 Found Deceased in Gasconade County, Investigation Underway

An investigation is underway in Gasconade County after a deceased man and child were discovered.

On Monday night (Sept 16), the Belle, MO Police Department notified the Missouri State Highway Patrol of a missing 4-year old male from Belle. The child had reportedly been with a 37-year-old male family friend since the morning hours of Sunday, September 15.

At 11:30 Monday night, officers located the man's vehicle on Valentine Ford Road near MO Route A in Gasconade County. Further investigation revealed the male and child deceased nearby. They were identified as 4-year old Bentlee J. Turner and 37-year old Monty Jason Barton, both of Belle, MO.

MSHP says autopsies will be conducted at University Hospital in Columbia on Thursday, September 19.

The investigation is ongoing.