On April 13, 2026, the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office requested the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control (DDCC) investigate a suspicious death, which occurred in the 600 block of Route B, in Naylor, MO. The deceased was identified as Robert D. Manns, 71, of Naylor, MO.
DDCC investigators followed up on several investigative leads, which included Robert Manns missing truck. Investigators eventually located the victim’s truck at a residence in Poplar Bluff, MO. Law enforcement contacted Robert Manns’ son, identified as Dustin D. Manns, 44, of Broseley, MO, at the residence where the missing truck was located. Law enforcement detained Dustin Manns and transported him to the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office for further questioning. During an interview, DDCC investigators obtained additional evidence connecting Dustin Manns to the murder of his father. He was placed under arrest and placed on an investigative hold. After obtaining additional evidence, DDCC investigators submitted a Probable Cause Statement to the Ripley County Prosecutor’s Office seeking felony charges.
On April 14, 2026, the Ripley County Prosecuting Attorney formally charged Manns with one count each: Murder – First Degree, Armed Criminal Action, Abandonment of a Corpse, Stealing – Motor Vehicle, and Tampering with a Motor Vehicle. He is being held without bond.
DDCC would like to thank both the Ripley and Butler County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in the investigation/arrest of Manns.
The charges for which the above individual was arrested is a mere accusation and not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of these charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.