Timothy Haslett Jr. Charged with Murder of Jaynie Crosdale

Watch a replay of the Press Conference from the Excelsior Citizen Facebook Page.

The following article contains graphic descriptions of violence, sexual assault, and abuse that may be distressing to some readers. Reader discretion is advised.

Liberty, MO – Timothy Haslett Jr. has been indicted on an additional charge of first-degree murder for the death of Jaynie Crosdale, Clay County Prosecutor Zachary Thompson announced today. During a 3:30 PM press conference, Thompson, joined by various law enforcement officials, including Excelsior Springs Police Chief Gregory Dull, detailed the new charges brought against Haslett.

According to Thompson, evidence points to Crosdale’s murder occurring sometime between June 6, 2022, and October 7, 2022. The new indictment of Class A felony of murder in the first degree brings the total count of charges against Haslett to ten, adding to the existing charges of rape, sodomy, kidnapping, assault, and endangering the welfare of a child. If convicted, first-degree murder carries a penalty of death or life in prison without the possibility of parole.

“The charge of an offense is not evidence of guilt, and defendants are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law,” Thompson emphasized. He went on to express his condolences to the victims and their families, stating that the pursuit of justice continues.

The case against Haslett began on October 7, 2022, when a surviving victim escaped from Haslett’s basement “dungeon” and sought help from nearby neighbors. This led to Haslett’s arrest and the discovery of extensive evidence implicating him in numerous crimes. Investigators from over 16 law enforcement agencies have worked together, pursuing more than 100 leads and reviewing over 100,000 photo and video files for relevant evidence.

A probable cause statement released at the press conference graphically detailed the extremely disturbing events that led up to the death of Miss Crosdale and the torture of the surviving victim.

The surviving victim alleges that she was abducted by Haslett, who approached her while she was walking on Prospect Avenue in Kansas City. He offered her $350 to go to his house, but after she got into his truck, he pulled a gun on her and forced her to perform sexual acts. She said she was then forced to take narcotics that rendered her unconscious. When she awoke at Haslett’s residence, she was restrained in a secured basement room, described as a “dungeon,” equipped with multiple locks, red lights, paddles, chains, cameras, and other torture devices.

During her captivity, the victim was subjected to daily sexual, physical, and psychological torture. She described being forced to use a bucket for a restroom and continually drugged with narcotics. The victim also said that Haslett wore female lingerie as he tortured her, and she was fed only once a day and forced to perform sexual acts in order to receive food.

The victim also revealed that Haslett told her about two other females he had held captive who “didn’t make it,” detailing their deaths to the surviving victim. This information prompted further investigation and led to the discovery of extensive evidence matching the victim’s account.

Executing a search warrant at Haslett’s residence, law enforcement officers found the “dungeon” outfitted with security cameras and an electronic keypad-secured door. Photos from a recovered black Samsung cell phone showed images of the dungeon, including Haslett and other unknown females, captured by the ceiling-mounted cameras. The phone also contained saved images of Missouri River navigation maps.

Kansas City Police Department’s Vice Squad reviewed historic arrest records for commercial sex work, identifying Jaynie Crosdale as one of the potential matches to an unknown female seen in photos on Haslett’s phone. Additional photographic evidence confirmed Crosdale’s identity and her presence in Haslett’s dungeon.

On June 24, 2023, kayakers discovered Crosdale’s remains inside a blue barrel in the Missouri River. The barrel, located near Waverly, MO, was found with a bullet hole in the side, and decomposed remains had spilled onto the ground. The remains were transported to the Saline County Coroner’s Office for further investigation.

The autopsy of Jaynie Crosdale revealed wounds, suggesting that she sustained high-impact injuries consistent with a gunshot at or near the time of her death. The blue barrel matched those discovered at Haslett’s residence.

Thompson acknowledged the devastating impact of these crimes on the community, highlighting the brutal and barbaric nature of the physical, psychological, and sexual torture described by the surviving victim. He assured residents that the Clay County Prosecutor’s Office is working diligently to ensure their safety and deliver justice.

“The physical, psychological, and sexual torture described by the defendant’s surviving victim is brutal and barbaric,” Thompson stated. “When crimes like this occur in our community, it can be devastating. I want the citizens of Clay County to know that the men and women of the Clay County Prosecutor’s Office are working hard inside and outside the courtroom to keep them safe and deliver justice.”

Thompson urged anyone with information about the case to contact the Excelsior Springs Police Department. He reiterated the importance of community involvement in aiding the ongoing investigation.

“Today’s indictment represents the next step in our pursuit of justice for the victims, the families, and our community,” Thompson concluded. “Our work continues, and I would urge anyone who knows anything about this case to contact the Excelsior Springs Police Department.”

Haslett remains in custody, with his bond now set at $5 million. The court date for the next hearing will be announced soon as investigators continue to piece together the full extent of his alleged crimes.

Documents outlining the official charges as well as the probable cause statement are available at the links below. Please be advised that these are very graphic and could be triggering for some individuals.