Joshua Gray found deceased

By Elise Brochu, Staff Writer
Posted 12/14/24

OSAGE COUNTY — Joshua Gray was found deceased on his property outside of Bland this morning, Dec. 14.

Gray was bonded out of the Osage County Detention Facility on Dec. 4 by Kurt Seba from …

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Joshua Gray found deceased

Posted

OSAGE COUNTY — Joshua Gray was found deceased on his property outside of Bland this morning, Dec. 14.

Gray was bonded out of the Osage County Detention Facility on Dec. 4 by Kurt Seba from Dan Mense Bail Bonds. He was last seen in Loose Creek on Dec. 4, after being dropped off at a relative’s house by his bondsman. The special conditions of Gray’s bond required that he report to a specified Compass Behavioral Health Facility within 24 hours of his release for a mental health assessment and services, however a relative contacted the Osage County Sheriff’s Office before that time had elapsed, with concerns that Gray was missing.

Searchers found Gray’s body in the woods. There were no apparent signs of foul play, however the investigation is ongoing.

“This is a tragic end to an already tragic situation,” said Sheriff Michael Bonham.

Gray, 46, was arrested on Dec. 3 and charged with one count of fourth-degree child molestation of a victim less than 17 years of age and offender greater than 4 years older.

According to a probable cause statement filed by Det. Dennis Sutton of the Osage County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Tim Edwards responded to a protected Osage County address for a report of a sexual assault of a minor child. The victim stated that Gray had been molesting her for several years, starting when she was 12 or 13, when he reached down her swimsuit and touched her inappropriately.

A warrant was issued for Gray’s arrest and broadcast statewide on Dec. 3. Around 12:15 that afternoon, a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper conducted a traffic stop on Gray’s vehicle and took him into custody.

Sutton responded to Cole County, where he took custody of Gray, who had waived his Miranda rights and agreed to speak with the detective. On the way to the Osage County Detention Facility, Gray said, “he had made several poor decisions and crossed the line with the victim.” Sutton also noted that Gray had “made suicidal statements due to the allegations levied toward him.”

Gray was booked in to the Osage County Detention Facility, and a court date was set for Dec. 17, 2024 at 10 a.m.

On Dec. 11, Osage County Prosecuting Attorney Amanda Grellner filed a motion to revoke Gray’s bond, which was to be heard on Dec. 17.