Tony Lee Wagner, 61, was arrested on October 15, 2022 for an August 14, 1992 rape and assault of two women in the Henning State Park, in Taney County, Missouri.
On that date, two female visitors were hiking in the state park when they were approached by a man looking for a lost wallet. They saw the same man a short time later, and he began to assault the two women with a rock. One of the victims pretended to be dead. The second woman, who was unconscious, was taken by the suspect to another location where she was sexually assaulted. The first woman managed to escape, and flag down a passing motorist. The second woman remained in a coma for several months before beginning her recovery.
A sexual assault kit taken from the second woman was not tested until 2008, when a DNA profile of the suspect was finally obtained. Her kit was part of the backlog of untested sexual assault kits that has led to an under-clearance of cases involving sexual assault.
The FGG investigation was conducted by Parabon Nanolabs in partnership with the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The Fort Scott, Kansas Police Department, where Wagner is now living, took a styrofoam cup, a lid, and a straw from Wagner’s trash to make the initial confirmation.
Wagner was extradited from Fort Scott, Kansas to face charges of forcible rape, kidnapping, and two counts of assault in Taney County Circuit Court.
Sources:
Kalmbacher, Colin. “Kansas Man Arrested in Brutal 1992 Cold Case Assault, Kidnapping, and Rape Involving Two Women Hiking in the Ozarks.” Law & Crime, October 15, 2022. Accessed October 21, 2022. https://lawandcrime.com/crime/kansas-man-arrested-in-brutal-1992-cold-case-assault-kidnapping-and-rape-involving-two-women-hiking-in-the-ozarks/.
Ruch, Amber. “Charges Filed in 30-Year-Old Mo. Cold Case.” KFVS News 12, October 14, 2022. Accessed October 21, 2022. https://www.kfvs12.com/2022/10/14/charges-filed-30-year-old-mo-cold-case/.
Wert, Jason. “Arrest Made in 1992 Taney County Cold Case.” Branson Tri Lakes News, October 18, 2022. Accessed October 21, 2022. https://www.bransontrilakesnews.com/news/article_f6d3cdc0-4f0e-11ed-9750-bf58ca27e7eb.html.