10 Springfield, Missouri Cold Cases that Continue to Haunt

We live in a reality where crimes happen with sometimes tragic consequences. That only becomes worse when there is no closure to what exactly happened. Springfield, Missouri has 10 cold cases that remain unsolved and continue to haunt those involved to this day.

The Springfield, Missouri Police have 10 cold cases listed on the city's website including one of the most famous in state history.

Shirley Jane Rose

This Springfield, Missouri cold case dates back to October 17, 1975. Shirley Jane Rose was 9 years old at the time and walking home from her grandparent's home in Springfield toward her home blocks away. Between 6:30p and 7:30p, she was seen talking to a male in a blue Chevy. Shirley never made it home that night. Her body was discovered on December 13, 1975. No one has ever been charged or prosecuted for Shirley's murder.

Tina Sue Spencer

On January 6, 1976, Tina Sue Spencer was reported missing in Nevada, Missouri by her mother. On November 28, 1976, skeletal remains were found that were later confirmed to be from Tina. She was last seen by a taxi driver who reportedly picked up Tina at the Springfield Airport and took her to an address in town where she apparently walked away from to make a call at a payphone. She was never seen after that moment. Her case remains unsolved although Springfield Police spoke to several individuals. No charges were ever filed.

Clara L. Batton

67-year-old Clara L. Batton was found by a home health nurse on February 12, 1992 in her kitchen. She lived at the time with her blind and deaf father who was unharmed. Clara's car was found later abandoned at a convenience store. The last time she was seen was the previous day by a neighbor. No suspects were ever charged in the case.

Paul Anstutz

On October 8, 1992, at 8:42 p.m, Springfield Police responded to reports of a homeowner shot. Paul Anstutz and his wife had found an intruder when they returned home that night and Paul was shot by the intruder and later died at a local hospital from his wound. The intruder was never identified and remains at large to this day.

Frank Stanton

On June 10, 1993, an off-duty police officer found Frank Stanton deceased from a gunshot in his 1985 maroon Toyota pickup truck on the side of a road. Mr. Stanton delivered newspapers at the time and it's believed that he was shot between 3:40 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. No suspects were ever charged with this crime.

Gloria Jean Barnes

On July 13, 1997, four truck drivers found the body of Gloria Jean Barnes near Seven Gables truck stop located at 4525 W. Chestnut Expressway. Police later learned that Gloria had last been seen alive in Arkansas and her brother said she called him to let him know that someone was trying to get her. The pay phone where Gloria's call was traced to was also robbed the same night as her disappearance. There were anonymous tips that there was CB conversations where someone claimed responsibility for Gloria's death. The Springfield Police add these details:

"The truck reportedly had the word “Graceland” on the cab and a picture of “Elvis” on the fairing. Additionally, the name “Memphis Consolidation” and/or “Trailer Transit” was displayed on the doors of the semi truck cab."

John A. Moody

On November 17, 1998, at 11:46 a.m, the body of John A. Moody was found floating in the water of a quarry. Cause of death is believed to be from a gunshot wound. His family had last heard from him one month prior to his body being found by Springfield Police. No suspects have ever been charged with his death.

James Leon Medler

It was the night of January 7, 2001 when Springfield, Missouri police responded to reports of gunshots. They found James Leon Medler lying in his doorway with gunshots that would later take his life. James son and a female acquaintance were in the house, but fled out of the back after they say several black males entered. They heard gunshots and returned to find his dad in the doorway. People in the neighborhood reportedly confirmed the sighting of black males fleeing the home and three vehicles that were allegedly involved. The Springfield, Missouri Police say they were "maroon four door Cadillac or Buick, a yellow Ford Mustang with a black top, and a white four door Dodge Neon".

Herbert Blakey

On March 30, 2002, Springfield Police responded to reports of a life-threatening altercation at approximately 2:30am. Herbert Blakey was found bleeding on his front porch. There are numerous reports that Mr. Blakey was seen being taken different places to make purchases for people before the assault happened by an unknown individual.

The Springfield Three

One of the most famous missing persons cases in Missouri history began on June 7, 1992 when Stacy McCall, Sherrill Levitt and Suzanne Streeter were all reported missing. Stacy McCall and Suzanne Streeter both graduated high school together the day prior to their disappearance. Suzanne's mother, Sherrill Levitt was last heard from the night of June 6 talking to a friend about a painting project.

When police investigated the home, everything was intact. They said "all personal property was left behind including purses, money, clothing, cars, keys, cigarettes, and the family dog."

There's a $43,000 reward for information leading to the location and prosecution of those responsible for these three women's disappearance.