The Benton Police Department; in conjunction with the Saline County Sheriff’s Office, FBI, and the AR State Crime Lab, served a search warrant relating to the disappearance of Joe Lee Richards Jr.  The warrant was served at 2902 W. Main St. in Traskwood at approximately 8:00 AM on this date. 

    The warrant was issued after recent events in the investigation into Mr. Richards’s disappearance led officers to believe the residence in Traskwood could be a crime scene related to this case. During the course of the investigation detectives located the remains of two human beings near the residence.  There has not been a positive identification of either of the remains, and they will both be sent to the AR State Crime Lab for analysis.  Out of respect for their families they will be notified first upon identification. 

    This is still an on-going investigation, but charges will be forthcoming in this case.  Anyone with any other information is strongly encouraged to contact either the Saline County Sheriff’s Office at 303-5608, or the Benton Police Department at 778-1171 or 315-TIPS.