On June 12, 2021, Cody Garrett (28) of Columbia, Missouri was reported missing to Columbia Police. That afternoon, Benton County Sheriff’s Deputies located Garrett’s vehicle at the Truman Lake Mountain Bike Park outside Warsaw. Garrett’s remains were found off the trails of the wooded area on the grounds. The preliminary investigation along with the medical examiner’s report revealed Garrett had been murdered.
In recent weeks the investigation into Garrett’s death was re-opened and new evidence has come to light. Many of those close to Garrett or potentially involved in the incident were re-interviewed, digital forensics evidence was exhaustively analyzed, and previously untested items were sent out to crime laboratories for DNA/Trace analysis. On May 25, 2025 Kayley and Michael Birnbaum were taken into custody in Springfield, Missouri for planning and carrying out Garrett’s slaying. The 27th Associate Circuit Court has found probable cause and issued warrants for Murder First Degree and Armed Criminal Action charges for both subjects.
We ask that you keep Cody Garrett and his family in your thoughts and prayer as we seek justice for them and ensure anyone who played a role in bringing his young life to an end is held accountable. We would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our partner agencies including the MSHP Crime Laboratories, MOCIC and especially the Springfield Police Department who were instrumental in bringing Kayley and Michael Birnbaum into custody safely and without incident.
While arrests have been made and charges filed, the investigation into Cody Garrett’s death is ongoing and will be for some weeks as we continue to build our case. Anyone with information about this incident, or any other crime, is encouraged to contact the Benton County Sheriff’s Office at 660-438-6135 or the Benton County Central Dispatch at 660-438-9555.
