Jones' Park Death

From left Kennett Police Department Officer Craig Crow, Major Steve Williams, and Dunklin County Coroner Jack Adkins discuss the investigation of a body that was found at Jones' Park at approximately 1 p.m. on Friday, June 26. Staff photo by George Anderson

Authorities are currently investigating the death of a 49-year-old Kennett resident, following the discovery of a body at Jones' Park.

According to Craig Crow, of the Kennett Police Department's (KPD) Strategic Response Team, at approximately 1 p.m., the department received a call from officials at South Elementary School, saying there was a body lying on the ground at Jones' Park, near the maintenance shed.

KPD Captain Steve Williams said the children who were playing outside at the school noticed the body and informed their teachers.

Upon arriving at the scene, authorities located the body of Ricky Lee Miller, a resident of the Kennett Boarding Home, who appeared to be dead, according to authorities.

Williams reiterated an earlier statement by Crow, saying no foul play is suspected.

Williams said shortly before the discovery of Miller's body, a representative from the Kennett Boarding Home called in a report that he was missing.

Williams said it appeared as though Miller, who had left the boarding home at approximately 10 a.m., was trying to make his way back to the home.

Authorities said Miller's body has been taken to McDaniel Funeral Home of Kennett and next-of-kin has been notified. The cause of death is unknown at this time, however, Dunklin County Coroner Jack Adkins was at the scene.

Authorities with the KPD, Kennett Fire Department First Responders, Medic One Ambulance Service, and Missouri State Highway Patrol.