Corpse found, Homicide investigation underway

Authorities in west-central Missouri are now investigating the death of a missing Columbia man as a homicide. 

The Benton County Sheriff’s Office says the mother of 28-year-old Cody Garrett reported him missing June 12th.  

She said that Cody went to do some shooting in the area with friends two days earlier but never returned.  

Deputies say a ping of Garrett’s cell phone led to his vehicle in Warsaw and a bicyclist helped them locate his body on a trail.  

Detectives say they had to wait for the preliminary autopsy report due to the deterioration of the body and a torrential downpour Friday.   

The now homicide investigation is expected to take some time to unravel.