Cold Case Closure: Missouri Man Convicted for 1992 Forcible Rape and Assault
In a significant development in criminal justice within Missouri, Attorney General Andrew Bailey announced a pivotal conviction by the Taney County Prosecutor’s Office against Tony Wagner, who was found guilty of Forcible Rape: Aggravated and two counts of Assault in the First Degree. This conviction stems from a violent incident occurring over three decades ago, underscoring the commitment to justice for victims of long-unsolved cases.
Attorney General Bailey emphasized the tireless efforts of law enforcement and prosecutorial teams. “This conviction is a testament to the dedication of law enforcement and prosecutors who never gave up on seeking justice for these victims,” Bailey stated. His office played a collaborative role, reaffirming its commitment to addressing cold cases throughout Missouri, regardless of how much time has passed since the incidents occurred.
The harrowing events date back to August 15, 1992, when two Texas residents were hiking in the Henning State Conservation Area of Taney County. During their excursion, they became victims of a brutal attack by an unidentified assailant. Both women suffered severe injuries; one woman pretended to be deceased to escape, while the other was tragically raped. The attack left lasting psychological and physical scars, significantly affecting the lives of both survivors.
The Taney County Sheriff’s Department, alongside the Missouri State Highway Patrol, initiated an exhaustive investigation into the case. The victims even made a public appeal by appearing on the television program America’s Most Wanted, hoping to garner information leading to the assailant’s identification. However, the case continued to stay unresolved until a breakthrough emerged with advancements in forensic science.
In August 2022, a pivotal turn in the investigation arrived through genetic genealogy testing, leading investigators to several new suspects, including Wagner. The Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Fort Scott, Kansas Police Department conducted surveillance on Wagner and successfully collected discarded DNA samples. Analysis confirmed a match between Wagner’s DNA and the evidence stored in the sexual assault kit from 1992, thereby conclusively identifying him as the perpetrator.
Following a trial that lasted several weeks, the jury deliberated for roughly 90 minutes before returning a guilty verdict. They recommended imposing a Life Imprisonment sentence for each of the convictions. The scheduled sentencing for Wagner will take place on July 11, 2025, in Taney County, where the legal proceedings will conclude this chapter of a long-forgotten crime.
This case reinforces the importance of ongoing commitment to justice and the effectiveness of modern forensic technology in solving cold cases. The resolution of this case not only provides closure for the victims but also sends a clear message about the relentless pursuit of accountability, regardless of how long it may take.
