Small Town Murder The Killer, The Kitty & The Combine - Maryville, Missouri
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Jan 17, 2026 In Maryville, Missouri, a seemingly tragic accident spirals into a twisted tale of murder involving a farmer, his wife, a combine, and an ominous black cat. The story unfolds with odd evidence, including a bizarre confession about the cat's death and the use of twine to orchestrate a horrifying plot. As the investigation deepens, experts debate the mental state of the accused, and emotional courtroom scenes reveal the children's testimony. Ultimately, a shocking verdict seals the fate of the man embroiled in this chilling rural tale.
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Emergency Call From Daughter
- On November 10, 1994, 12-year-old Lori called for help after Bill reported both parents were run over by the combine.
- Deborah Jo was found dead and Bill was hospitalized with injuries consistent with being struck by the machine.
Cat Used To Lure Victim
- Bill confessed to brother Wayne that he killed a black cat with a hammer and used it to lure Deborah under the combine.
- He claimed he rigged the hydrostat with twine to remotely back the combine into her.
Forensics Matched Confession
- Forensics found the cat died of blunt-force trauma, not machinery, supporting the confession about a hammer blow.
- Investigators also recovered a 10'7" synthetic twine matching Bill's described method.