Missing Senath girl's remains found in area floodway ditch

DUNKLIN COUNTY, Mo. -- In a release from the Dunklin County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, Dunklin County Sheriff Bob Holder, Senath, Mo., police chief Omar Karnes and Dunklin County Prosecuting Attorney Stephen P. Sokoloff have confirmed that law enforcement officers working the investigation of the disappearance of 3-year-old BreeAnn Rodriguez have found what are believed to be the child's remains near the floodway ditches northeast of Hornersville, Mo., approximately eight miles southeast of her home in Senath, Mo.

According to the officials, her remains were found by an officer of the Missouri State Highway Patrol Water Patrol who was searching by boat.

Shortly after the discovery, authorities notified the child's parents, Edgar Rodriguez and Claudia Ramos, that her body was found.

"We appreciate all the help and support from the community in what has been a difficult time for all," Holder said. "We are saddened to confirm our fears, but glad we have been able to recover her for her parents."

Rodriguez and her bicycle disappeared near her home on Ode Johnson Street just over a week ago.

On Saturday authorities announced Shawn Morgan, 43, of Senath, had been arrested in connection with the disappearance and death of the child.

Morgan has been charged with the felony counts of first-degree murder, armed criminal action and tampering with physical evidence.

He made his first court appearance Tuesday.

On Monday, Aug. 15, a probable-cause of death affidavit was released relating to the young child's death.

According to the affidavit, on Friday, Aug. 12, authorities conducted an interview with Shawn Morgan, 43, of Senath, who stated on the day the child went missing, he discovered her standing on the ladder at the pool in his backyard. Morgan said he went to the girl, grabbed her, and carried her inside his house, where he used a white plastic trash bag to suffocate her, by holding it over her face and mouth.

The affidavit continues, adding Morgan then stated he placed the child's body in the same trash bag, drove to the floodway ditches at Highway 164, and disposed of her by throwing her over the railing. Morgan added that upon returning to his residence, he dismantled the bicycle that Rodriguez had been riding, and disposed of it in the same river system.

During his arraignment, Judge John Spielman read the charges against Morgan, and inquired about counsel. Morgan said he had not yet acquired an attorney.

A hearing was scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2011, to allow Morgan time to acquire an attorney.

Morgan is currently being held at the Dunklin County Justice Center with no bond.