Willard, MO — Saturday, the double homicide investigation of a Willard couple continued in two counties. Police believe the remains of 34-year-old Russell Porter and 46-year-old Rebecca Porter were found Thursday morning.
They were reported missing April 17.
Investigators with Greene County and Taney County Sheriff's Offices tracked human remains to a wooded area in Protem near Cedar Creek Road, roughly 2 miles off the beaten path. The two offices were working together for about 6 weeks before an announcement was made Friday that the missing persons case was upgraded to a double homicide.
Although officials haven't positively identified the remains to be that of the Porters, Sheriff Jim Arnott explained the circumstances surrounding the bodies seem consistent with that of the couple.
Arnott told a crowd of friends and family that credible information led investigators to Taney County. A Taney County deputy discovered the remains.
Now, families of both Rusty and Rebecca are in mourning.
"We're happy that they found Becky, but we are shocked the way they had to die out there in the middle of nowhere," said Darrell Hufft, Becky Porter's brother. "it's pretty hard to take."
Although there is a little bit of closure, family members still have questions surrounding the circumstances of the homicides.
"We don't understand why somebody would want to do that to two young people," said Hufft.
Tim Campbell, Rusty's cousin is visibly affected whenever talking about the couple.
"All that's left is a little facial tissue. That the bodies are so bad that you couldn't recognize them. It makes me sick," Campbell said, with tears in his eyes.
He lives on the same property as the Porters and recalled when they were reported missing.
"I remember the morning that the dogs were barking, you know. And my aunt saying that Becky and Rusty were gone. And we were just freaking out," he said. "These two individuals that lost their life, it's bizarre to me on how two people could just disappear with no trace."
Porter family copes with discovery
Families begin to mourn the Willard couple
Campbell said bleach was detected in the home and Rebecca's purse, cell phone, and keys were left behind.
"The thing that bothers us the most is why was the keys left in her car?" he asked. "It was a 2007 mustang. You know? They always locked their car. And that's what we find bizarre."
Investigators with the Greene County Sheriff's Office have collected more than 200 pieces of evidence at the Willard home. Officials will combine the evidence from the home and the area where the remains were found to hopefully piece together what happened to the Porters.
Sheriff Arnott said "a lot of evidence" was left with the bodies.
"This is a very rural area. Lot of forest around here. No residences around here to say, within about 2 miles, so it's a very rural area," explained Taney County Sheriff Jimmie Russell. "And of course the location that these people's in is extremely difficult to get to."
While investigators work, families of Becky and Rusty Porter said they will continue to pray that justice will be served.
"It was a miracle from God that they found her. Her and Rusty together," said Hufft. "We are very angry. Why would somebody do that?"
An impromptu memorial was set up outside the Willard home. Flowers, cards, and ribbons are already starting to line up on the front porch.
"This is the point of mourning. This family, these families, need to be focused on mourning," Campbell said.
An autopsy is scheduled for both bodies Monday. Officials expect a positive identification of the Porters to be made at that time.
