The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control (DDCC) announces the arrest of Thomas H. Skaggs, 57, of Doniphan, MO, for 1st Degree Murder, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Abandonment of a Corpse, and Tampering with Physical Evidence, in connection to the death of Jerry B. Hale, of Doniphan, MO. This arrest is the result of an investigation conducted by criminal investigators with DDCC and the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office.
On August 28, 2019, investigators with DDCC were requested to assist the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office with a missing person investigation involving Hale. During that initial investigation, investigators identified a person of interest, Thomas H. Skaggs. In November 2025, remains were discovered in a shop on a rental property located in Doniphan. An autopsy was performed and the remains were ultimately confirmed to be Hale. Additionally, evidence confirmed Hale had sustained a gunshot wound to the skull.
On March 27, 2026, Skaggs was formally charged with 1st Degree Murder, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Abandonment of a Corpse, and Tampering with Physical Evidence, by the Ripley County Prosecuting Attorney. Skaggs is currently in the custody of the Missouri Department of Corrections on unrelated convictions.