by Alan McArthur
Landmark reporter
More than three months after the body of Valentin G. Kirilchuk, 39, of Springfield, was found at a rest stop near Dearborn, there are still few leads for the Missouri Highway Patrol.
In September, Kirilchuk's body was found in the bathroom of the rest area with a fatal gunshot wound.
The highway patrol released the sketch of a woman seen at the rest area at the end of September and a description of a vehicle seen at the area.
According to Dan Green, sergeant with the highway patrol, there is no new information in the case, but the patrol is still following leads.
Kirilchuk's body was found on the floor of the restroom and his truck was found in the parking lot of the rest stop. Officers have not released whether a gun was found at the scene.
The person of interest in the incident is described as a white female, approximately 30 years of age between 5 foot 6 inches and 5 foot 7 inches tall with a thin build and shoulder length reddish-blonde hair. She is also described as having freckles on her face.
The woman was wearing a white blouse with a design on it and was wearing a jacket or sweater that was unbuttoned. She is described as having a weak southern accent.
The highway patrol is also looking for a white SUV, similar to a Honda Element or Scion, with three people in it that was seen at the rest area around the time of the homicide.
The homicide is being investigated by the Missouri Highway Patrol's Division of Drug and Crime Control.
The highway patrol is interested in speaking with anyone who was at the rest area on Sept. 8 between 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Anyone with information is asked to call the Tips Hotline at 816-474-TIPS, or the highway patrol at 816-622-0800.
A $1,000 reward is now being offered by the Kansas City Crime Stoppers Tips Hotline to anyone providing information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in the homicide.
