A tragic story has unfolded in Barry County, Missouri, where a missing woman was found dead, and her boyfriend now faces murder charges.
Authorities revealed that Aaron Malone, 23, has been charged with the murder of his 24-year-old girlfriend, Aspen Lewis. The Barry County Sheriff’s Office shared that Malone contacted deputies on Monday, November 25, claiming Lewis might have been abducted. But as investigators dug deeper, the case took a chilling turn.
When deputies arrived at the scene, they noticed something alarming—a large bloodstain in the road behind Malone’s truck, along with pieces of jewelry. These clues quickly raised suspicions.
Lewis was last seen early that same morning at her home in Exeter, Missouri. Malone provided officers with both verbal and written statements about her disappearance, but investigators soon noticed inconsistencies in his story, which prompted a criminal investigation.
Surveillance footage added another layer to the mystery. The video reportedly showed Malone’s vehicle arriving at Lewis’ residence just before midnight on Sunday, November 24. Soon after, loud screams could be heard. The footage then shows Malone leaving the home around 1:30 a.m. on Monday, only to return just after 4 a.m.
What happened during those hours became painfully clear the next day. Malone contacted 911 before returning to Lewis’ home. Later, when authorities questioned him, he offered to lead them to her body.
Tragically, Aspen’s body was discovered in a wooded area, covered with leaves and sticks. She had suffered severe head trauma. Malone eventually admitted there had been a violent altercation between the two and confessed to disposing of her body.
On Monday morning, Malone appeared in Barry County Court, where he pleaded not guilty. He is currently being held without bond at the Stone County Jail.
Aspen Lewis leaves behind a young son and is remembered as a deeply spiritual person who adored animals and loved spending time outdoors. Her community is mourning her loss, with many describing her as a kind and compassionate soul.
