Arrest Made in 23-Year-Old Disappearance Case

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A man who has been charged with the deaths of his wife and daughter nearly 23 years ago made his first appearance Friday in Ray County Court.

Ronald D. Wrisinger, 67, was arrested Wednesday at his home in Marble Falls, Ark.

Wrisinger is charged with two counts of first degree murder in connection with the disappearance of his wife, 40-year-old Sherry K. Wrisinger and his daughter, 16-year-old Johnna D. Wrisinger.

Stephanie Bryang went to school with Johnna. She now lives next door to the home the Wrisinger family lived in 1986.

"It seems like every time you see her she was always smiling," said Bryang.

Neither woman has been heard from since they were reported missing from their Richmond, Mo., home in 1986, and though there are no bodies and no murder weapon, a Ray County Grand Jury decided there was enough evidence to indict Wrisinger.

Wrisinger made his first appearance without the presence of an attorney, so the judge entered a not guilty plea on his behalf.

A court date was scheduled for Wednesday, June 3, where Wrisinger is expected to have an attorney with him.