Information sought regarding 1985 Dent County death investigation
Image courtesy of MSHP
Criminal investigators with the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control (DDCC) are seeking the public’s assistance regarding the suspicious death of William “Bill” Sundermeyer, 68, of Rolla, Mo. The death was initially investigated in 1985, and the case has remained unsolved. Sundermeyer’s family has recently offered a monetary reward for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for his death.
Sundermeyer was last seen on June 7 or 8, 1985, in Rolla, MO. Sundermeyer’s deceased body was located June 10, 1985, in rural Dent County. Since 1985, several tips and investigative leads have been forwarded to law enforcement, and DDCC investigators have followed up on these leads.
“Sundermeyer was 68-years-old at the time of his death; however, there is evidence and/or circumstances regarding this case which make it suspicious in nature,” said Sergeant Bradley R. Germann (Q/DDCC). “We believe there are individuals who know details about the incident and what happened to Sundermeyer. We ask those individuals who know more about the incident to contact investigators. The Sundermeyer family deserve to know what happened to their father and grandfather. I believe this case can be solved with the help from the community”.
Criminal investigators are seeking information from anyone who may have knowledge about this case. They are encouraged to contact Corporal Jonny Fariole, at 573-368-2345 ext: 3950.
The reward poster states that a $5,000 reward is being offered for information leading to arrest, and another $5,000 for that information leading to conviction. The poster reads as follows:
“Unsolved for 40 years—but not forgotten.
“An award of $10,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the murderer of William “Bill” Sundermeyer.
“In June 1985, William “Bill” Sundermeyer disappeared from his home near St. James, Missouri. His Ram truck was found abandoned on a rural road in Phelps County. Then his body, having been dumped in a ditch in Dent County a few days earlier, was identified. Bill wasn’t the victim of a random crime. Investigators believed then—and still do—that he left home with people he knew and trusted. He died alone, far from his family, who have spent the last 40 years with a hole in their lives and no answers.
“A proud WWII veteran, Bill raised five children with his wife. He was friendly, warm-hearted, and always ready to lend a hand. He believed the best in others—a belief that may have cost him his life.
“If you remember anything—any name, detail, rumor, or event, no matter how small—please come forward. Someone out there knows the truth. It’s time.”
Follow the Missouri State Highway Patrol on X @MSHPTrooperDDCC.
