In a shocking development, Jaynie Crosdale, a potential witness in a gruesome kidnapping and rape case, was discovered dead in the Missouri River, one year after her disappearance. Crosdale was considered a crucial witness against Timothy Haslett Jr., who was apprehended last October. A woman, who managed to escape from Haslett’s basement in Excelsior Springs, reported to the police that she had been kidnapped, raped, and tortured by Haslett for a month. The torture involved devices linked to electrical currents.
Crosdale’s family lost contact with her the previous August, her sister, who wished to remain anonymous for safety reasons, revealed. Crosdale’s struggle with addiction had caused a family rift, her sister disclosed in a poignant interview. The family’s suspicions were aroused when Crosdale failed to post her yearly social media tribute to their deceased father, a tradition she had upheld for eight years.
The Clay County Prosecutor’s Office has not yet pressed additional charges against Haslett concerning Crosdale’s death. The circumstances of Crosdale’s death and the suspicion of foul play have not been revealed. However, prosecutors have proposed a motion to increase Haslett’s bond, currently at $3 million, to safeguard the community. The motion refers to an ongoing investigation that heightens concerns about community safety.
Crosdale’s sister expressed her grief and fear about her sister’s last moments. Despite Crosdale’s battles with addiction, her sister remembered her as a warm and generous person when she was sober. Before their relationship deteriorated, Crosdale seemed to be reclaiming her life, spending quality time with her sister and sharing anecdotes from her life.
Haslett is facing a slew of felony charges, including first-degree rape, first-degree sodomy, first-degree kidnapping, second-degree assault, and first-degree endangering the welfare of a child. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges, which are linked to a single victim, referred to as “TJ” in court documents. TJ managed to flee Haslett’s home and was discovered by police wearing a metal collar and a trash bag.
Since Haslett’s arrest, there has been speculation about more victims and fears of a potential serial killer. Bishop Tony Caldwell, a community leader in Kansas City advocating for missing Black women, is convinced there are more victims. Caldwell has been a staunch supporter of TJ and other potential victims in this case. He shared information about other missing women allegedly linked to Haslett with the police, suggesting there could be at least two other victims.