(Update Mondays 4 p.m.) –  Three people have been charged in connection with the stabbing death of 28-year-old Richard Barry.

Buchanan County Prosecuting Attorney Dwight Scroggins has announced that Kellie M. Hoard (Reeves), Primalton H. Peterson, III and Sean A. Liechti have been charged with the Class A Felony of Felony Murder in the 2nd Degree  in the alleged stabbing death of Richard J. Berry occurring on or about April 25, 2015,  in the 10000 block of SE Saxton Road, Buchanan County, Missouri.

Prosecutors allege an assault was intended to occur during which the defendants produced a knife and the victim was stabbed several times.

Victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.  Arraignment will likely occur on Friday, May 1, 2015.  To read latest development in this story click here.
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Monday 12:03 p.m.

The Buchanan County Sheriff’s Dept. has taken three people into custody in connection with the murder investigation of 28-year-old Richard Berry.

As we previously reported, authorities responded around 11:45 p.m. Saturday to the area of the Third Fork River on Easton/Saxton Road in reference to a body found in the Platte River.

“Suspects have been taken into custody with the murder of Richard Berry,” Buchanan County Sheriff Mike Strong said.

A 43-year-old female, and a 24-year-old male were arrested and are being held in the Buchanan County.

A third suspect, a 22-year-old male was arrested in Elwood, Kan.

Strong said around 9:45 Sunday night the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Dept., investigators with the St. Joseph Police Dept. Crimes Unit and deputies with the Doniphan County Sheriff’s Dept. obtained a search warrant for a residence in Elwood for items related to the murder of Berry.

“Items of evidence pertaining to this homicide were recovered,” Strong said.

The 22-year-old suspect was arrested at a neighboring residence in Elwood.  He is currently being held in the Doniphan County Jail.

Strong said the evidence that led to the arrests were developed through the internal investigation.

“We knew there was not a lot to go on,” Strong said. “However, I have to be honest with you I was optimistic.  I know the capabilities of our investigators.”

Previously, Strong had said that when Berry’s body was found there was trauma but would not say where.  Authorities had reported a large blood stain visible on the bridge in the location where Berry was located.  Strong said he will not comment on if Berry was dead at the scene or died later after he was pulled from the river.

The results of the autopsy have been completed, however are not being released at this time due to the investigation.

Strong said they plan to forward the case onto the prosecutor’s office office later today.  Names of the individuals arrested will not be released until charges are filed.

Click here for Press Release from Dept. on the investigation.