A Missouri Boy Vanished While Riding His Bike in 1991. Police Believe There May Be a Link to the Case and His Sister’s Brutal Murder.
April 1 2024, Published 10:02 a.m. ET
An 11-year-old Missouri boy went missing in 1991. Now, over three decades later, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office thinks there could be a connection with his sister’s brutal murder and notes detectives are looking for help to shed light on the troubling case.
The sheriff’s office recently said they are seeking the public’s help gathering information on the disappearance of Charles Arlin Henderson.
Charles, who was referred to by his middle name in news coverage at the time he went missing, was last seen at 5 p.m. on July 25, 1991, riding his bike near his home in Moscow Mills, KSDK reported.
About 11 weeks later, authorities found the boy's bicycle in a bean field about five miles away from where he was last seen near his home, officials said.
On March 10, 2000, Joy Henderson-Leonard, Charles’ sister, was killed by her husband, Robert Leonard, who then killed himself after her death, according to KSDK.
Investigators believe the couple had crucial information regarding Charles' disappearance almost nine years earlier.
"We’ve learned they made some comments that may have been relevant to this investigation," Captain David Hill told KSDK. "They are no longer with us so we can't speak with them. So, the purpose of the media release is to find people who knew them."
Officials are asking anyone associated with Joy and Robert Leonard to come forward and speak with investigators about what they know to help close the case on Charles’ disappearance.
Never miss a story — sign up for the Front Page Detectives newsletter. Be on the scene the moment news breaks.
Besides age progression photos, police have also released a photo of the bicycle Charles was riding when he disappeared.
Captain Wade O’Heron said they are working on several leads in this case, KSDK reported.
Anyone who has information related to the case or who associated with Joy and Robert Leonard is urged to call the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office at (636) 462-6153 or submit a tip by clicking here. Information can be provided anonymously.
Become a Front Page Detective
Sign up to receive breaking
Front Page Detectives
news and exclusive investigations.