OkieGranny
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Deceased/Not Found MI - Richard Atwood, 25, White Cloud, 10 August 1983 *arrest in 2020* *Guilty*
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Gardener1850
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Murkywaters
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MN man charged with 1983 homicide in Michigan
WHITE CLOUD, Mich. — A man in Minnesota has been charged with murder in Michigan in the presumed death of a man who disappeared in 1983, authorities said Friday.
Roy Snell, 55, of Fridley, Minnesota, has been in the Hennepin County jail since March 11. He soon will be transported to Michigan after waiving extradition, the attorney general's office said.
Richard Atwood was 25 when he was last seen in White Cloud, Michigan. His girlfriend, Debra Cain, told police that she returned to their trailer and noticed that his fishing gear was missing.
Atwood's car was recovered two months later in October 1983. Investigators said they discovered blood and human tissue linked to him. His body hasn't been found.
Snell has made incriminating statements to others over the years, and his DNA was found on cigarette butts in the car, according to an affidavit by Det. Sgt. Scott Rios of the Newaygo County sheriff's department.
Robbery apparently was a motive, Rios said.
It wasn't immediately known if Snell had a lawyer in Minnesota who could comment.
WHITE CLOUD, Mich. — A man in Minnesota has been charged with murder in Michigan in the presumed death of a man who disappeared in 1983, authorities said Friday.
Roy Snell, 55, of Fridley, Minnesota, has been in the Hennepin County jail since March 11. He soon will be transported to Michigan after waiving extradition, the attorney general's office said.
Richard Atwood was 25 when he was last seen in White Cloud, Michigan. His girlfriend, Debra Cain, told police that she returned to their trailer and noticed that his fishing gear was missing.
Atwood's car was recovered two months later in October 1983. Investigators said they discovered blood and human tissue linked to him. His body hasn't been found.
Snell has made incriminating statements to others over the years, and his DNA was found on cigarette butts in the car, according to an affidavit by Det. Sgt. Scott Rios of the Newaygo County sheriff's department.
Robbery apparently was a motive, Rios said.
It wasn't immediately known if Snell had a lawyer in Minnesota who could comment.
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Richard Lawrence Atwood
Atwood, circa 1983; Atwood's 1975 Pontiac Trans Am; Roy Snell in 2020
Missing Since: August 23, 1983
Missing From: White Cloud, Michigan
Classification: Endangered Missing
Sex: Male
Race: White
Age: 25 years old
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 175 pounds
Hair Color: Blond
Eye Color: Hazel
Details of Disappearance
Atwood was last seen in White Cloud, Michigan on August 10, 1983. He was driving a brown 1975 Pontiac Trans Am with the license plate number 490CNJ; a photo of it is posted with this case summary. When his girlfriend returned to the trailer they shared, she noticed he was missing and his fishing gear was gone as well.
He was reported missing by his family on August 23, after their own attempts to locate him failed. His car was found in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area on October 17; inside was blood and human tissue, later linked to Atwood. In March 2020, Roy Leando Snell was arrested in Minneapolis, Minnesota and charged with felony murder and felony firearms in Atwood's case. The two men knew each other.
Snell is the last person known to have been seen with Atwood before he disappeared, he made "incriminating statements" in the years after Atwood's disappearance, and his DNA was found on cigarette butts in Atwood's car. A photo of Snell is posted with this case summary. He is awaiting trial in the case; authorities believe robbery was the motive for the murder.
Atwood's body has never been found. Foul play is suspected in his case due to the circumstances involved.
Investigating Agency: Michigan State Police (231) 873-2171
Richard Lawrence Atwood – The Charley Project
Atwood, circa 1983; Atwood's 1975 Pontiac Trans Am; Roy Snell in 2020
Missing Since: August 23, 1983
Missing From: White Cloud, Michigan
Classification: Endangered Missing
Sex: Male
Race: White
Age: 25 years old
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 175 pounds
Hair Color: Blond
Eye Color: Hazel
Details of Disappearance
Atwood was last seen in White Cloud, Michigan on August 10, 1983. He was driving a brown 1975 Pontiac Trans Am with the license plate number 490CNJ; a photo of it is posted with this case summary. When his girlfriend returned to the trailer they shared, she noticed he was missing and his fishing gear was gone as well.
He was reported missing by his family on August 23, after their own attempts to locate him failed. His car was found in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area on October 17; inside was blood and human tissue, later linked to Atwood. In March 2020, Roy Leando Snell was arrested in Minneapolis, Minnesota and charged with felony murder and felony firearms in Atwood's case. The two men knew each other.
Snell is the last person known to have been seen with Atwood before he disappeared, he made "incriminating statements" in the years after Atwood's disappearance, and his DNA was found on cigarette butts in Atwood's car. A photo of Snell is posted with this case summary. He is awaiting trial in the case; authorities believe robbery was the motive for the murder.
Atwood's body has never been found. Foul play is suspected in his case due to the circumstances involved.
Investigating Agency: Michigan State Police (231) 873-2171
Richard Lawrence Atwood – The Charley Project
March 20, 2020
LANSING – Nearly 37 years after 25-year-old Richard Atwood disappeared from White Cloud, Michigan in Newaygo County, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel along with Newaygo County Prosecutor Worth Stay have jointly charged Roy Leando Snell with his murder. Atwood’s body has never been found.
Snell, 55, was arrested in Minneapolis by the Minneapolis Violent Criminal Apprehension Unit. He is being charged in Newaygo County with one count of homicide – felony murder, punishable by life without parole, and one count of weapons – felony firearm, punishable by two years in prison to be served consecutively and preceding any term of imprisonment imposed. Snell is currently in custody in Hennepin County Jail in Minnesota.
Atwood was last seen on Aug. 10, 1983; his brown 1975 Pontiac Trans-Am was recovered in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area two months later. Snell was reported as the last person to be seen with Atwood.
“Investigating a cold homicide case is extremely difficult but investigating a decades-old case with no body means an extraordinary amount of legwork, patience and tenacity,” Nessel said. “I commend the excellent work of the Michigan State Police task force, which included Newaygo County Prosecutor Worth Stay and deputies from Newaygo County Sheriff Robert Mendham’s department. We are honored to have the opportunity to pursue justice for the family and friends of Richard Atwood.”
“One can hardly imagine what the Atwood family has felt over the past decades,” said Newaygo County Prosecutor Worth Stay. “These charges are the next steps. I thank the cold case team for their hard work investigating this crime, and I thank the Attorney General for her partnership in proceeding with this case.”
“Working cold cases would be an impossible task without all hands on deck,” said Michigan State Police Detective First Lt. Mike Anderson. “I’m very proud of the persistent determination shown by the Detectives and Prosecutors over the last two years. The Michigan State Police are proud to once again partner with the Newaygo County Prosecutor, Newaygo County Sheriff’s Office and the Michigan Attorney General to seek justice for the family of Richard Atwood. The arrest of Roy Snell is a very gratifying first step.”
Newaygo County Sheriff Mendham concurred. “The Newaygo County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to help bring some relief to the Atwood family. The hard work and dedication of all officers and agencies involved throughout the years should be commended.”
The Michigan Department of Attorney General continues to work in partnership with prosecutors and local law enforcement agencies across the state in pursuit of public safety and justice for all Michiganders.
Snell was in custody in the Hennepin County Jail in Minnesota and recently waived his extradition rights. He will be brought to Michigan for arraignment and subsequent proceedings. A court date has not been scheduled yet.
LINK:
AG - MI AG Dana Nessel & Newaygo Co. Prosecutor Worth Stay Charge Suspect in 36-year-old Cold-Case Homicide
LANSING – Nearly 37 years after 25-year-old Richard Atwood disappeared from White Cloud, Michigan in Newaygo County, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel along with Newaygo County Prosecutor Worth Stay have jointly charged Roy Leando Snell with his murder. Atwood’s body has never been found.
Snell, 55, was arrested in Minneapolis by the Minneapolis Violent Criminal Apprehension Unit. He is being charged in Newaygo County with one count of homicide – felony murder, punishable by life without parole, and one count of weapons – felony firearm, punishable by two years in prison to be served consecutively and preceding any term of imprisonment imposed. Snell is currently in custody in Hennepin County Jail in Minnesota.
Atwood was last seen on Aug. 10, 1983; his brown 1975 Pontiac Trans-Am was recovered in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area two months later. Snell was reported as the last person to be seen with Atwood.
“Investigating a cold homicide case is extremely difficult but investigating a decades-old case with no body means an extraordinary amount of legwork, patience and tenacity,” Nessel said. “I commend the excellent work of the Michigan State Police task force, which included Newaygo County Prosecutor Worth Stay and deputies from Newaygo County Sheriff Robert Mendham’s department. We are honored to have the opportunity to pursue justice for the family and friends of Richard Atwood.”
“One can hardly imagine what the Atwood family has felt over the past decades,” said Newaygo County Prosecutor Worth Stay. “These charges are the next steps. I thank the cold case team for their hard work investigating this crime, and I thank the Attorney General for her partnership in proceeding with this case.”
“Working cold cases would be an impossible task without all hands on deck,” said Michigan State Police Detective First Lt. Mike Anderson. “I’m very proud of the persistent determination shown by the Detectives and Prosecutors over the last two years. The Michigan State Police are proud to once again partner with the Newaygo County Prosecutor, Newaygo County Sheriff’s Office and the Michigan Attorney General to seek justice for the family of Richard Atwood. The arrest of Roy Snell is a very gratifying first step.”
Newaygo County Sheriff Mendham concurred. “The Newaygo County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to help bring some relief to the Atwood family. The hard work and dedication of all officers and agencies involved throughout the years should be commended.”
The Michigan Department of Attorney General continues to work in partnership with prosecutors and local law enforcement agencies across the state in pursuit of public safety and justice for all Michiganders.
Snell was in custody in the Hennepin County Jail in Minnesota and recently waived his extradition rights. He will be brought to Michigan for arraignment and subsequent proceedings. A court date has not been scheduled yet.
LINK:
AG - MI AG Dana Nessel & Newaygo Co. Prosecutor Worth Stay Charge Suspect in 36-year-old Cold-Case Homicide
Minnesota man extradited to Michigan in 36-year-old homicide case
Lansing — A Minnesota man charged with murder in the presumed death of a Michigan man who disappeared in 1983 was extradited to Michigan on Saturday.
Roy Snell, 55, of Fridley, Minnesota, faces felony murder and firearms charges in relation to the disappearance of Richard Atwood.
Snell was arrested March 13 in Minneapolis by the Minneapolis Violent Criminal Apprehension Unit. He is being charged jointly by the Michigan Department of Attorney General and Newaygo County Prosecutor Worth Stay.
Snell had been held in the Hennepin County, Minnesota, jail and waived extradition.
“I would like to thank the Michigan State Police, the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, the Newaygo County Sheriff’s Office and Prosecutor Stay for all their hard work on this,” Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said in a statement. "Cold cases are difficult cases to investigate, which makes good teamwork that much more important.”
Snell is being charged in Newaygo County with one count of homicide-felony murder, punishable by life without parole, and one count of weapons-felony firearm, punishable by two years in prison to be served consecutively and preceding any term of imprisonment imposed.
Snell is expected to be arraigned at the 78th District Court in White Cloud, Michigan, as early as Monday, even though the court is closed to the public in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Atwood was 25 when he was last seen in White Cloud. His girlfriend, Debra Cain, told police that she returned to their trailer and noticed that his fishing gear was missing.
Atwood's car was recovered two months later in October 1983. Investigators said they discovered blood and human tissue linked to him. His body has not been found.
Snell has made incriminating statements to others over the years, and his DNA was found on cigarette butts in the car, according to an affidavit by Det. Sgt. Scott Rios of the Newaygo County sheriff's department. Robbery apparently was a motive, Rios said.
Police are still seeking information about the case.
“Sometimes an arrest and the passage of time gives witnesses with information about a crime the courage to come forward,” said Michigan State Police Detective First Lt. Mike Anderson said in a statement.
“Although 36 years have passed, we feel there are still people in West Michigan who have information about this case that could benefit both the detectives and prosecutors; we would like to hear from them. Even though the information may seem insignificant, it can be the missing piece of the puzzle investigators are looking for.”
LINK:
Minnesota man extradited to Michigan in 36-year-old homicide case
Lansing — A Minnesota man charged with murder in the presumed death of a Michigan man who disappeared in 1983 was extradited to Michigan on Saturday.
Roy Snell, 55, of Fridley, Minnesota, faces felony murder and firearms charges in relation to the disappearance of Richard Atwood.
Snell was arrested March 13 in Minneapolis by the Minneapolis Violent Criminal Apprehension Unit. He is being charged jointly by the Michigan Department of Attorney General and Newaygo County Prosecutor Worth Stay.
Snell had been held in the Hennepin County, Minnesota, jail and waived extradition.
“I would like to thank the Michigan State Police, the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, the Newaygo County Sheriff’s Office and Prosecutor Stay for all their hard work on this,” Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said in a statement. "Cold cases are difficult cases to investigate, which makes good teamwork that much more important.”
Snell is being charged in Newaygo County with one count of homicide-felony murder, punishable by life without parole, and one count of weapons-felony firearm, punishable by two years in prison to be served consecutively and preceding any term of imprisonment imposed.
Snell is expected to be arraigned at the 78th District Court in White Cloud, Michigan, as early as Monday, even though the court is closed to the public in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Atwood was 25 when he was last seen in White Cloud. His girlfriend, Debra Cain, told police that she returned to their trailer and noticed that his fishing gear was missing.
Atwood's car was recovered two months later in October 1983. Investigators said they discovered blood and human tissue linked to him. His body has not been found.
Snell has made incriminating statements to others over the years, and his DNA was found on cigarette butts in the car, according to an affidavit by Det. Sgt. Scott Rios of the Newaygo County sheriff's department. Robbery apparently was a motive, Rios said.
Police are still seeking information about the case.
“Sometimes an arrest and the passage of time gives witnesses with information about a crime the courage to come forward,” said Michigan State Police Detective First Lt. Mike Anderson said in a statement.
“Although 36 years have passed, we feel there are still people in West Michigan who have information about this case that could benefit both the detectives and prosecutors; we would like to hear from them. Even though the information may seem insignificant, it can be the missing piece of the puzzle investigators are looking for.”
LINK:
Minnesota man extradited to Michigan in 36-year-old homicide case
Cold Case Team Cracks Decades Old Atwood Case
3/20/2020
Roy Leando Snell photo courtesy of the Hennepin County Jail
Roy Snell charged with decades old murder
Nearly 37 years after 25-year-old Richard Atwood disappeared from White Cloud, Michigan in Newaygo County, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel along with Newaygo County Prosecutor Worth Stay have jointly charged Roy Leando Snell with his murder. Atwood’s body has never been found.
The Cold Case Team members who doggedly pursued this case were Scott Rios (NCSO, MSP retired), Adam Mercer (NCSO), Robert Watson (MSP), Ryan Maki (MSP) and Richard Miller ( MSP ret.).
Snell, 55, was arrested in Minneapolis by the Minneapolis Violent Criminal Apprehension Unit. He is being charged in Newaygo County with one count of homicide – felony murder, punishable by life without parole, and one count of weapons – felony firearm, punishable by two years in prison to be served consecutively and preceding any term of imprisonment imposed. Snell is currently in custody in Hennepin County Jail in Minnesota.
Atwood was last seen on Aug. 10, 1983; his brown 1975 Pontiac Trans-Am was recovered in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area two months later. Snell was reported as the last person to be seen with Atwood.
“Investigating a cold homicide case is extremely difficult but investigating a decades-old case with no body means an extraordinary amount of legwork, patience and tenacity,” Nessel said. “I commend the excellent work of the Michigan State Police task force, which included Newaygo County Prosecutor Worth Stay and deputies from Newaygo County Sheriff Robert Mendham’s department. We are honored to have the opportunity to pursue justice for the family and friends of Richard Atwood.”
“One can hardly imagine what the Atwood family has felt over the past decades,” said Newaygo County Prosecutor Worth Stay. “These charges are the next steps. I thank the cold case team for their hard work investigating this crime, and I thank the Attorney General for her partnership in proceeding with this case.”
“Working cold cases would be an impossible task without all hands on deck,” said Michigan State Police Detective First Lt. Mike Anderson. “I’m very proud of the persistent determination shown by the Detectives and Prosecutors over the last two years. The Michigan State Police are proud to once again partner with the Newaygo County Prosecutor, Newaygo County Sheriff’s Office and the Michigan Attorney General to seek justice for the family of Richard Atwood. The arrest of Roy Snell is a very gratifying first step.”
Newaygo County Sheriff Mendham concurred. “The Newaygo County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to help bring some relief to the Atwood family. The hard work and dedication of all officers and agencies involved throughout the years should be commended.”
The Michigan Department of Attorney General continues to work in partnership with prosecutors and local law enforcement agencies across the state in pursuit of public safety and justice for all Michiganders.
Snell was in custody in the Hennepin County Jail in Minnesota and recently waived his extradition rights. He will be brought to Michigan for arraignment and subsequent proceedings. A court date has not been scheduled yet.
Richard Atwood
LINK:
Cold Case Team Cracks Decades Old Atwood Case
3/20/2020
Roy Leando Snell photo courtesy of the Hennepin County Jail
Roy Snell charged with decades old murder
Nearly 37 years after 25-year-old Richard Atwood disappeared from White Cloud, Michigan in Newaygo County, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel along with Newaygo County Prosecutor Worth Stay have jointly charged Roy Leando Snell with his murder. Atwood’s body has never been found.
The Cold Case Team members who doggedly pursued this case were Scott Rios (NCSO, MSP retired), Adam Mercer (NCSO), Robert Watson (MSP), Ryan Maki (MSP) and Richard Miller ( MSP ret.).
Snell, 55, was arrested in Minneapolis by the Minneapolis Violent Criminal Apprehension Unit. He is being charged in Newaygo County with one count of homicide – felony murder, punishable by life without parole, and one count of weapons – felony firearm, punishable by two years in prison to be served consecutively and preceding any term of imprisonment imposed. Snell is currently in custody in Hennepin County Jail in Minnesota.
Atwood was last seen on Aug. 10, 1983; his brown 1975 Pontiac Trans-Am was recovered in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area two months later. Snell was reported as the last person to be seen with Atwood.
“Investigating a cold homicide case is extremely difficult but investigating a decades-old case with no body means an extraordinary amount of legwork, patience and tenacity,” Nessel said. “I commend the excellent work of the Michigan State Police task force, which included Newaygo County Prosecutor Worth Stay and deputies from Newaygo County Sheriff Robert Mendham’s department. We are honored to have the opportunity to pursue justice for the family and friends of Richard Atwood.”
“One can hardly imagine what the Atwood family has felt over the past decades,” said Newaygo County Prosecutor Worth Stay. “These charges are the next steps. I thank the cold case team for their hard work investigating this crime, and I thank the Attorney General for her partnership in proceeding with this case.”
“Working cold cases would be an impossible task without all hands on deck,” said Michigan State Police Detective First Lt. Mike Anderson. “I’m very proud of the persistent determination shown by the Detectives and Prosecutors over the last two years. The Michigan State Police are proud to once again partner with the Newaygo County Prosecutor, Newaygo County Sheriff’s Office and the Michigan Attorney General to seek justice for the family of Richard Atwood. The arrest of Roy Snell is a very gratifying first step.”
Newaygo County Sheriff Mendham concurred. “The Newaygo County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to help bring some relief to the Atwood family. The hard work and dedication of all officers and agencies involved throughout the years should be commended.”
The Michigan Department of Attorney General continues to work in partnership with prosecutors and local law enforcement agencies across the state in pursuit of public safety and justice for all Michiganders.
Snell was in custody in the Hennepin County Jail in Minnesota and recently waived his extradition rights. He will be brought to Michigan for arraignment and subsequent proceedings. A court date has not been scheduled yet.
Richard Atwood
LINK:
Cold Case Team Cracks Decades Old Atwood Case
Man convicted of murder in 1983 disappearance of Richard Atwood
NEWAYGO COUNTY, MI – A man was convicted of felony murder in the 1983 disappearance of Richard Atwood, 25, of White Cloud.
Roy Leando Snell, 57, was convicted Wednesday, Nov. 16, after a nearly three-week jury trial in Newaygo County Circuit Court. He faces a mandatory punishment of life in prison without parole when sentenced Jan. 9.
“I am heartened that the family of Rick Atwood may begin to find some closure in his verdict,” Newaygo County Prosecutor Worth Stay said in a statement.
NEWAYGO COUNTY, MI – A man was convicted of felony murder in the 1983 disappearance of Richard Atwood, 25, of White Cloud.
Roy Leando Snell, 57, was convicted Wednesday, Nov. 16, after a nearly three-week jury trial in Newaygo County Circuit Court. He faces a mandatory punishment of life in prison without parole when sentenced Jan. 9.
“I am heartened that the family of Rick Atwood may begin to find some closure in his verdict,” Newaygo County Prosecutor Worth Stay said in a statement.
Pennysmom1
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Interesting reading about this case