Child's Remains Found in Illinois During Search in Parental Kidnapping Investigation

Stookey Township, Il. (KFMO) - The Desloge Police Department says investigators have discovered what is believed to be the remains of a small child during the execution of a search warrant in Stookey Township, Illinois.

According to police, the search was conducted on July 8 and is connected to a parental kidnapping investigation that began after a report was filed with the Desloge Police Department on June 12, 2026. Authorities say the child's mother reported that she had not seen her child in more than a year.

Investigators conducted interviews across multiple jurisdictions as the investigation progressed. Working in coordination with the St. Francois County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, authorities obtained arrest warrants charging 32-year-old Ronnell Marquese Jones of St. Louis with parental kidnapping and harassment. Jones was taken into custody on June 30.

Investigators also obtained an arrest warrant for 35-year-old Kirstie Dora of St. Louis on charges of parental kidnapping and harassment. She was arrested on July 2.

Both Jones and Dora are currently being held without bond.

The St. Clair County Coroner's Office in Illinois has not yet positively identified the remains recovered during Wednesday's search. Authorities have not released the identity of the child or a cause of death pending further forensic examination.

The investigation is being conducted by the Desloge Police Department with assistance from numerous local, state and federal agencies, including the St. Francois County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, St. Francois County Sheriff's Department, Missouri State Technical Assistance Team (STAT), Illinois State Police Crime Scene Services, the FBI St. Louis, the St. Clair County State's Attorney's Office, the St. Louis Circuit Attorney's Office, the U.S. Attorney's Office, Missouri Children's Division, the St. Clair County Coroner's Office, the St. Clair County Sheriff's Department, the St. Louis County Medical Examiner's Office, the Spring Hill Fire Department, St. Clair County Special Emergency Services, S.A.R. K9, Stookey Township, and the Stookey Township Road Commission.

Authorities say the investigation remains active. Anyone with information about the case is encouraged to contact the Desloge Police Department, the St. Clair County Sheriff's Department in Illinois, or the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.