Son Charged With Murder After Missing Foley Man Found Buried on Property
FOLEY, Mo. — Authorities have charged a Lincoln County man with murder after his missing father was found dead and buried on property in Foley.
Richard Scott Saettele, 40, is charged with first-degree murder, first-degree domestic assault and two counts of armed criminal action. He is being held at the Lincoln County Jail without bond.
His father, Michael Saettele, 63, had not been seen since August 15.
Richard Saettele, Foley, Mo
CHARGES
First-degree murder
First-degree domestic assault
Armed criminal action — two counts
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office initially asked for the public’s help locating Michael on Sunday. He had last been seen near Kings Lake Road in Foley, while his cellphone and vehicle remained at his residence.
The office explained that information about his disappearance had only been presented to investigators within the previous day. After the information could be verified, the missing-person notice was released publicly.
The investigation led authorities to Michael’s property, where his remains were found buried.
Authorities have not released Michael’s cause of death, when his remains were recovered or what evidence led investigators to Richard.
The Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains ongoing.
Assistance was provided by the Lincoln County Coroner’s Office; St. Charles County Police Department, including its Crime Scene Investigation Unit and Crime Laboratory; St. Charles County SWAT Team; St. Charles City Police Department; St. Louis County Cyber Crimes Task Force; St. Louis Fire Department Search and Rescue K9 teams; Wentzville Police Department; and additional law-enforcement task forces.
The Sheriff’s Office also thanked community members who shared the missing-person notice and provided information.
Lincoln CountyWatch will update this story as additional verified information becomes available.
Richard Saettele is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
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