A 61-year-old Clinton woman was forcefully taken from her home overnight, and investigators have already named a possible suspect. Linda Hutchinson was reported taken from a residence in the 300 block of West Gravel Street around 1:26 a.m. Tuesday, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
The patrol identified 45-year-old Robert V. Smith III as a possible suspect in the case, as reported by the Kansas City Star. Hutchinson is described as roughly 5 feet 6 inches tall and about 115 pounds, with blonde hair and green eyes; her clothing at the time she was taken is unknown, per the same account. Smith is described as about 6 feet 2 inches tall and 220 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. A maroon 2008 Ford Taurus bearing license plate EL0H3Z may be connected to the incident and was last seen in the 300 block of Gravel Street in Clinton, the outlet reports.
Information provided for this report does not establish that Hutchinson and Smith were arrested together during a June 30 traffic stop or document the charges described for either person. It also does not establish a prior relationship between them.
A Suspect With a Prior Felony Warrant in the Same County
The provided sources do not document an earlier Henry County arrest of Smith or an outstanding felony warrant tied to a parole violation.
The Henry County Sheriff's Office issued an Endangered Person Advisory in the Hutchinson case. Missouri law-enforcement agencies initiate this type of alert when a missing adult is believed to be in peril due to age, health, or being in the company of a potentially dangerous person, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Missouri law-enforcement agencies initiate the advisory, while the patrol's Missing Persons Unit is notified for support and resources.
Second Alarming Case in Clinton This Year
Clinton has drawn law enforcement attention before this year. Just weeks earlier, on August 30, local law enforcement responded to a separate missing person alert at 423 W. Graven St., after Hoodline reported a 1-year-old vanished during a supervised visit. It remains unclear whether the two cases are connected in any way.
Clinton is the county seat of Henry County. The provided sources identify the Henry County Sheriff's Office.
Potential Charges Under Missouri Law
If Hutchinson's disappearance is ultimately determined to be a forcible abduction, potential charges and penalties would depend on the applicable law.
The available information does not state whether Smith has been arrested, and it remains unknown whether Hutchinson has been located or whether formal kidnapping charges have been filed by prosecutors. Anyone with information is urged to call 911 or contact the Henry County Sheriff's Office at 660-885-5588.
