Cody Hunt Sentenced to 31 Years for Abduction, Death of Ryerson
UPDATE: In a shocking conclusion to a harrowing case, Cody Lee Hunt, 35, has been sentenced to 31 years in prison for the abduction and death of Dale William Ryerson, 63, of Sullivan. The verdict was delivered on September 15, 2024, following a jury’s guilty verdict on four felony charges, including abandonment of a corpse and tampering with physical evidence.
The tragic events began on October 22, 2023, when the Sullivan Police Department issued an endangered person advisory, identifying Hunt as a person of interest in Ryerson’s abduction. Authorities report that Ryerson’s remains were later found in his burned SUV near Potosi, on property where Hunt had sought permission to hunt.
Witnesses revealed that on the very day following Ryerson’s disappearance, Hunt approached a nearby homeowner asking to hunt in the area. Hours later, firefighters responded to a brush fire in the same location, discovering Ryerson’s charred vehicle and human remains inside.
Hunt was apprehended on September 29, 2024, after an extensive investigation. His trial commenced with jury selection on June 24, culminating in a rapid 40-minute deliberation that resulted in guilty verdicts on all counts. During trial proceedings, the prosecution, led by Washington County Prosecuting Attorney John Jones, urged the court to impose the maximum sentence, describing Hunt’s actions as “a shocking disgrace.”
During sentencing, Ryerson’s daughter delivered a powerful statement, describing her father as her “best friend” and lamenting how Hunt’s actions robbed her of the chance to grieve properly. The emotional weight of her words resonated in the courtroom, as Judge Wendy Wexler-Horn listened to both sides before delivering the final sentence.
In response to the verdict, the Washington County Prosecutor’s Office commended the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies, including the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Sullivan Police Department, for their thorough investigation.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and emotional turmoil surrounding violent crime, leaving a family to cope with an unimaginable loss. The community of Sullivan is left to process the impact of this tragedy, as Hunt begins his lengthy prison sentence.
As the story develops, many are left wondering what measures will be taken to prevent similar crimes in the future, underscoring the urgent need for community awareness and support in protecting vulnerable individuals. Stay tuned for more updates on this critical case as they unfold.
