An arrest has been made in connection to missing Missouri teens disappearance

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ill. (KBSI) –According to law enforcement on May 16, 2021, 19-year-old John Paul Parton also known as JP left his parents’ home in High Ridge Missouri to go to work. His parents say he told them he was going camping with friends but would be back the next day. However, he never returned home. 

Parton was reported missing on May 24th, 2021.

The teenage boys’ parents took to social media for help after his disappearance in 2021.

A joint investigation was then conducted by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.  

Now almost three years later an arrest has been made. Lieutenant Eric Brown with the Missouri State Highway Patrol talked about the investigation.  

“This is an open and ongoing investigation” says Brown.

According to the victim’s parents he called them the night he left home and confessed to being involved in a burglary with three friends. Stealing money and valuables worth about $2,000. Two days prior, he had been asked to leave the same property where the burglary occurred after an altercation with his girlfriend. Parton’s parents talked with media and posted on his Facebook page asking anyone with information to please come forward. After a nearly 3 yearlong investigations, they got the news no parent ever wants to hear. 

“On May 18, 2021, investigators determined that Mr. Parton was murdered in the St. Francis County area by Mr. Gamble. On the 25th of this year the Saint Francis County prosecuting attorney did file charges related to the death and disappearance of Mr. Parton against gamble and a no bond warrant was issued for his arrest.”  

Thomas E Gamble age 19 of Potosi Missouri faces charges of first-degree murder, abandonment of a corpse, armed criminal action, and tampering with physical evidence.  

“On May 1st Mr. Gamble was arrested in Port Allen Louisiana by the Port Allen Police Department where he remains in custody awaiting extradition back to the state of Missouri to face these charges and no bond has been authorized for his release.” says Brown.

At this time John Partons body has still not been found and this investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact their local law enforcement.