Missing KKK Leader Found Shot To Death Near Missouri River

Frank Ancona, 51, who was an imperial wizard of the Traditionalist American Knights near St. Louis, was found with a gunshot wound to his head, the Daily Journal reported, citing the results of an autopsy performed Sunday.

His wife, Malissa Ancona, allegedly told investigators that she last saw him when he was called to make an out-of-state delivery for work on Wednesday.

Local authorities, however, found that Ancona hadnt received such a call. His employer reported him missing when he didnt show up for work on Friday, according to local outletKMOV.

Anconas vehicle was found in Federal Forest Service Property on Thursday, according to local authorities. The discovery wasnt reported as suspicious because a missing persons report had not been filed at the time, KMOV reported. Police searched the surrounding area the following day, but did not find anything substantial.

A family fishing along Big River near Belgrade found the body along the riverbed on Saturday, the Washington County Sheriffs Office said.

Sheriff Zach Jacobsen called Anconas death a tragic and senseless act of violence.

A later search of Anconas home in Leadwood uncovered a number of anomalies, according tolocal reports.

A safe inside the home had reportedly been pried open, possibly with a crowbar. Although its contents had been emptied, the Daily Journal reported that Leadwood Police Chief William Dickey said authorities dont believe a burglar had broken into it.

All but one of Anconas firearms were also missing. Malissa Ancona said her husband took them with him when he left on Wednesday, Dickey said. Members of his family who live next door reportedly said Ancona wouldnt have done this.

Dickey said police also questioned Malissa about a Facebook post she wrote the day she says her husband left. It announced she needed a roommate, and she reportedly told authorities she had written the post because her husband had told her he planned to file for divorce and that shed need help covering rent.

The investigation remains ongoing.