The hunt for Neldon Neal is at 60 days and counting.
Texas County Sheriff Carl Watson said Tuesday morning his department followed several leads last week, but none led to the notorious criminal who has eluded authorities since murdering his common law wife in March.
“We’ve had quite a few good leads, but nothing good has come out of it,” Watson said.
Although he has no information to confirm it, Watson still believes Neal — unaccounted for since he received supplies from four women accomplices on March 29 — is in the Roby area. He said there still have been no break-ins or reported missing vehicles.
“I think he’s still around and still being helped,” Watson said. “He may be in Pulaski County or the Laclede County area, but still in the general area.”
Watson said his department received four leads last week from the Web site of America’s Most Wanted. The Fox program confirmed last week that it is pursuing a television feature chronicling the murder case. Jenna Naranjo, an associate producer with AMW, said film crews would travel to Roby as soon as next month.
Each lead from the Web site centered in Arkansas, where authorities said Neal made a threatening phone call to a former victim shortly before the murder in Roby.
Watson said most information involves locations to check for the suspected killer or suspicious activity. Watson said he has never received a report of a Neal sighting.
“We have nothing to indicate that someone has visibly made contact with him,” he said.
Watson said he met Friday with top officials from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, who vowed to offer their assistance until Neal is apprehended.
The case has garnered much publicity – both in print and electronic media. Watson says the investigation continues to captivate the public’s interest.
Persons can call the sheriff’s department (417-967-4165) or Troop G (417-469-3121). Watson continues to emphasize that anyone with information can provide it anonymously. A $1,000 reward is available.