A Missouri boater who noticed a terrible smell coming from a floating trash container made a discovery that would quickly turn into a homicide investigation, authorities said.
According to investigators, the boater was traveling along Perche Creek in Boone County on May 17 when he spotted a trash bin floating in the water. Concerned by the strong odor coming from the container, he contacted law enforcement.
Deputies responded to the scene and recovered the bin from the creek. When authorities opened the container, they discovered the body of a woman hidden inside.
The discovery prompted an extensive investigation involving local detectives and forensic experts. Authorities worked to identify the victim and determine how she died.
Court documents allege that the woman was strangled and smothered before her body was placed inside the trash container. Investigators believe the container was later dumped near the Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area before eventually making its way into the creek.
As detectives searched for leads, surveillance footage reportedly captured a red Chevrolet S-10 pickup truck carrying a trash bin in its bed near the area where the container was later found. Investigators determined that the bin seen in the footage appeared to match the one recovered from the water.
The investigation eventually led authorities to 53-year-old Andrew Acton. Prosecutors allege that Acton killed the woman, concealed her body inside the trash container and disposed of it in an effort to hide the crime.
According to court records, investigators gathered evidence linking Acton to both the victim and the recovered container. Detectives also interviewed him as part of the investigation.
Acton has been charged with second-degree murder, abandonment of a corpse and tampering with physical evidence. Prosecutors allege that he attempted to conceal the victim’s death by placing her body inside the trash bin and abandoning it.
Authorities have not publicly disclosed a motive for the killing. Investigators also have released few details about the victim’s relationship with Acton, though court documents indicate the two were acquainted.
The case has drawn significant attention because of the unusual circumstances surrounding the discovery. What began as a boater’s report of a foul odor soon uncovered what investigators describe as a deliberate effort to conceal a homicide.
Acton is currently being held without bond in the Boone County Jail. He is expected to face additional court proceedings as prosecutors continue to build their case.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have indicated that additional information could be released as the case moves through the judicial process.