INDEPENDENCE, Mo. – A 63-year-old Missouri man has been charged with first-degree murder after investigators found the body of a missing man beneath a freshly poured concrete slab in the basement of a property the defendant owned, according to the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office.
William Morrison of Sugar Creek is charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action in the death of 45-year-old Jonathan Brown. Prosecutors said Brown had gone with Morrison to perform concrete work before disappearing, and investigators later found his body with a gunshot wound to the head.
- William Morrison, 63, is charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action.
- Cadaver dogs alerted investigators near a freshly poured concrete slab before Brown’s body was excavated.
- Morrison is being held without bond, according to the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office.
Missing Person Investigation Leads Police to Concrete Slab
The investigation began when Independence Police received a missing-person report May 13. Brown had last been seen May 10 riding in the passenger seat of an older white sedan, according to court records.
Investigators learned Brown had reportedly gone with Morrison to perform concrete work in the basement of a property owned by Morrison.
Surveillance footage showed a white sedan arriving at the property May 10 and leaving early the following morning, prosecutors said.
Court records cited by prosecutors also describe Brown and Morrison as having “ongoing financial dealings” involving settlement money and business ventures.
Witnesses told investigators Brown regularly communicated with family, friends, his children and members of a motorcycle club through calls, texts, social media and in-person contact.
According to the probable cause statement, witnesses described it as “highly unusual” for Brown to “abruptly stop all communication.”
Cadaver Dogs Alerted Investigators Inside Basement
The investigation took a significant turn May 23 when cadaver canines were brought to the property.
“Cadaver canines independently alerted to the odor of human remains in the basement, near a freshly poured concrete slab and dirt pile,” the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office said.
Investigators excavated the concrete and recovered a man’s body underneath it.
The victim had suffered a single gunshot wound to the head and was later identified as Brown, prosecutors said.
Detectives also searched Morrison’s residence and found Brown’s wallet inside, according to the prosecutor’s office.
Prosecutor Melesa Johnson announced the charges Thursday, alleging Morrison shot Brown and then poured concrete over his body in an effort to conceal it.
Morrison Held Without Bond on Murder Charge
Morrison is being held without bond while the criminal case moves forward.
The prosecutor’s office has charged him with first-degree murder and armed criminal action. The charging documents contain allegations that have not been proven at trial.
“Charges are only accusations,” the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office said, and Morrison is presumed innocent unless and until he is found guilty or enters a guilty plea.
William Morrison is charged with first-degree murder.
The Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office also charged the 63-year-old Sugar Creek man with armed criminal action in Jonathan Brown’s death.
Jonathan Brown’s body was recovered beneath concrete.
Prosecutors said cadaver dogs alerted near a freshly poured basement slab before investigators excavated the area and discovered Brown’s body.
Morrison is being held without bond.
The charges remain accusations, and Morrison is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty or he pleads guilty.
Sources: Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office press release, Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office probable cause statement
