Family still searches for answers to death of independent woman

CLAY COUNTY, Mo. – A year later, the family of an independent woman found dead in Clay County is praying for answers. The sheriff’s department says they won’t drop the case.

“It was chaos. It’s been chaos,” Alesha’s sister Shawnda Reade said.

The past year has been unbearable for Alesha Reade’s family. The 45-year-old mother of eight was killed a year ago on Wednesday. Reade was last seen on Fav’s trip to Independence and found days later dismembered in rural Clay County.

“There are no words to describe it. It’s so painful. I just cried everyday. Every day is horrible. Every day,” said Alesha’s sister, Carrie Reade.

The sheriff’s department said on the one-year anniversary that they are hoping for further guidance. The agency released new information that Reade left on the passenger side of a Fav Trip Volkswagen Passat.

“Everyone is confused. No one understand. You know, we keep hearing, “We’re here. We take care of it.’ But I know it’s a process,” Alesha’s sister-in-law, Melissa Reade, said.

In March 2021, investigators had a glimmer of hope in the case. Someone left an anonymous note at the Clay County Courthouse with information about Alesha’s case. Investigators tracked down the person who wrote the note and questioned him, but no arrests were made.

“There was a letter which in turn led to a lot of evidence, OK. It did. And with the police. I’ll tell you right now they’re doing their best. But in the end, we we need more evidence,” said Carrie Reade.

The Clay County Sheriff’s Department told FOX4 they are helping the Reade family with a reward in their case.

“This murder weighed on our investigators and our community for a year. We have never stopped working on this case, and we will continue to do so until justice is served and Alesha’s family is closed.

Sheriff Will Akin, Clay County, Missouri

His family prays for a closing day to come.

“I pray that she knows that we won’t stop until we receive the justice she deserves. But we also pray that no family will ever have to endure what we endure every day. “said Shawnda Reade.

Reade’s family as well as the sheriff’s department are offering a $7,000 reward in his case. Tipsters can call detectives directly at 816-407-3723 or can remain anonymous by calling the TIPS hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477).