Attorney General's News Release

July 27, 2012

Clinton County man convicted of first degree murder

Jefferson City, Mo. – Attorney General Chris Koster said a Ray County jury today found James Reardon, of Holt, Missouri, guilty of first degree murder in the shooting death of Carol Anastasia Thomas. Reardon was also convicted of armed criminal action and knowingly burning a vehicle.

Thomas was killed November 4, 2009 after being kidnapped by Reardon and Erik Zimmerman in Excelsior Springs. Her body was found in a field in rural Ray County. The car used in the kidnapping, which had been destroyed by fire, was found near Lawson, Missouri.

Sentencing for Reardon is set for October 3.

Zimmerman, also of Holt, previously pleaded guilty to murder in the second degree, armed criminal action and knowingly burning a vehicle. He will be sentenced on August 3. Kidnapping charges against both Reardon and Zimmerman remain pending in Clay County.

The Attorney General’s Office assisted Ray County Prosecuting Attorney Danielle Rogers on the case.