3 Charged in Carol Thomas Case

UPDATED Friday afternoon

RICHMOND, Mo. -- In addition to charges filed in Clay County on Friday morning, Ray County authorities have charged three people in connection with the death of Carol Thomas.

James P. Reardon, 23, is charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action in Ray County. 

Ray County has filed one count of felony murder and one count of armed criminal action against both Jennifer Saling, 21, of Holt, Mo., and Erik Zimmerman, 29, of Excelsior Springs, Mo.

The three suspects are already held in Clay County, Mo., on separate but related charges.  They each are held on $1-million bond. 

EXCELSIOR SPRINGS, Mo. – Clay County prosecutors have charged three people with kidnapping in the case of Carol Thomas, who was abducted Wednesday and found dead Thursday.

Thomas was abducted from Excelsior Springs in Clay County, but because her body was found in nearby Ray County, prosecutors there are conducting their own investigation into her homicide.

At a news conference Friday morning, authorities announced charges againt James P. Reardon, 23 of an unknown permanent address; Jennifer L. Saling, 21, of Holt, Mo.; and Erik R. Zimmerman, 29, of Excelsior Springs.

They also shared for the first time how they believe Thomas died. She was shot twice. Her body was found Thursday morning in a wooded area near 230th Street and Knutter in Ray County. Investigators say her death may be drug related.

Contrary to earlier reports that circulated Thursday, prosecutors said none of the suspects are a former boyfriend of Thomas.

Each suspect is being held in the Clay County Jail on $1 million bond.

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