Missouri police said a man who was found dead last month had already been declared dead and was using his wife’s identity during his 32-year disappearance.
On March 19, Lebanon officers discovered Stephen Winn, 71, in a burning vehicle near a Budget Inn hotel. A DNA test conducted on Sunday confirmed the decedent’s identity as Winn — who had been living with his wife and their children when he vanished in 1991, according to KOAM.
KSHB reported that the deceased man’s burned vehicle contained documents belonging to Khristine Bechard, who previously used the alias Khristine Winn. Khristine Winn is Winn’s wife who died in 2018.
Authorities believe Stephen remarried while using Khristine’s identity. Evidence from within his car also suggests he took his own life last month, according to KSHB.
Lebanon said formal autopsy results are pending.
For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast. Listen to the latest episode:
[Featured image: KY3]
