Sedalia Police: Nathan Riga Arrested in Death of Micah Munro

On Aug, 23, Sedalia Police responded to 235 South Quincy on a report of a male not breathing.

The male subject, later identified as 24-year-old Micah Munro, and it was confirmed that he was not breathing. Officers immediately began life-saving measures, along with members of PCAD and Sedalia Fire. However, extensive efforts to save Munro were unsuccessful, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The initial responding officers and members of the Crime Resolution Unit immediately began gathering information to try and further determine the cause of death. Through interviews with individuals on scene, it was determined that Munro had a possible substance abuse disorder involving opiates. Toxicology reports later confirmed fentanyl to be the cause of death, according to a press release from the Sedalia Police Department on Wednesday afternoon.

Through the following months, detectives continued to investigate Munro's source of supply for fentanyl, and were able to identify the individual who supplied him with fentanyl capsules just hours before his death on Aug. 23. Investigation revealed that the supplier was 30-year-old Nathan Riga.

Riga was arrested by members of the Crime Resolution Unit for delivering the controlled substance to Munro that ultimately led to his death.

Detectives worked closely with the Pettis County Prosecutor's Office to ensure all necessary measures were taken to reach the end result, said Commander David Woolery.

On Wednesday, Feb. 23, charges of 2nd-degree murder, delivery of a controlled substance and tampering with physical evidence were filed by Prosecutor Phillip Sawyer.

“The SPD looks thoroughly into all deaths of this nature, but the outcome of the investigation is often dependent upon numerous factors that often make up this type of end results very hard to reach,” Woolery said. “The Sedalia Police Department, working jointly with the Pettis County Prosecutor's Office and other local law enforcement agencies, will continue to prioritize and seek out those individuals responsible for bringing these harmful substances into our community.”

Woolery concluded by asking for help from concerned Sedalia citizens:

“If you know someone needing help with a substance use disorder or have information regarding individuals who may be involved with bringing these harmful substances into our community, please contact the Sedalia Police Department at (660) 827-7823 or email your information to cru@sedaliapolice.com.