Three charged in death of 23-year-old

By DONALD BRADLEY

The Kansas City Star

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Authorities charged three people Friday with murdering 23-year-old Carol A. Thomas, who was abducted and shot this week.

James P. Reardon, 23, of Independence, faces first-degree murder charges. Jennifer L. Saling, 21, of Holt, Mo., and Erik R. Zimmerman, 29, of Excelsior Springs, were charged with second-degree murder. The suspects also were charged with armed criminal action.

Ray County Prosecuting Attorney Bryan McMahon said evidence pointed to Reardon as the person who shot Thomas to death.

The three were charged Friday with kidnapping in Clay County, where bond for each was set at $1 million. They are expected to appear next week in Ray County on the murder charges.

Witnesses said they had seen Thomas being beaten and then put into the trunk of a red Pontiac late Wednesday night on a street in Excelsior Springs.

Thomas screamed and practically kicked her way into the backseat as the car was traveling down a rural highway toward Missouri City, according to court documents. Zimmerman told police that Thomas caused such a ruckus that Reardon swerved off the highway, drove through two gates and stopped in a field in Ray County.

Thomas was removed from the trunk. An argument ensued during which she was shot twice, once in the head, according to court documents. One of the suspects then “flung” her into a ditch.

The suspects later burned the car and called for a ride.

Thomas’ body was found Thursday afternoon. The suspects were arrested later that day.

To reach Donald Bradley, call 816-234-4182 or send e-mail to dbradley@kcstar.com

Posted on Fri, Nov. 06, 2009 10:52 PM

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