Third Arrest in Garrett Murder

A twist this morning in the First Degree Murder and Armed Criminal Action trials of 35-year-old Kayley R. Birnbaum, and 28-year-old Michael T. Birnbaum, both of Springfield, in the murder of a Columbia man in Benton County in 2021.

Benton County prosecutors have now charged a third person, Jack A. Wagner, 70, of Springfield, with First Degree Murder and Armed Criminal Action in the death of 28-year-old Cody Garrett.

Court documents state that Wagner helped the Birnbaums plan the murder and helped to cover up their involvement in the crime. Wagner was being held in the Benton County Jail, where he joins the Birnbaums. All three are being held on $2,000,000 bonds.