Second Arrest Made in Ongoing Homicide Investigation of Autistic Man in Washington County

Washington Co., Mo. (KFMO) - Authorities have arrested a second suspect in connection with the March death of a 21-year-old autistic man who was found severely malnourished and living in horrific conditions.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office says the victim, whose name has not been released, was discovered nude on the floor of a bedroom surrounded by trash, empty food containers, and human feces. Deputies responding to the scene noted the room was in “deplorable condition.”

An autopsy later revealed the man weighed just 55 pounds at the time of his death. According to the medical examiner, he died from asphyxiation after choking on fecal matter. His knees were also found locked in place, indicating he had likely been immobilized in one position for an extended period. Investigators believe the victim had been eating his own feces due to starvation.

In April, the victim’s father, Lawrence Andrew Riehl, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder and abuse of a disabled person. On June 17, authorities executed a search warrant at the family’s residence and arrested the victim’s brother, Andrew Riehl, on the same charges.

Both men are being held without bond. 

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office says the investigation is ongoing and describes the case as one of the most disturbing they have encountered.