Two men have been arrested in connection with the death of 43-year-old Janice Cook, whose body was found after she was reported missing in early April. Billy Tabor, 70, and Colby Eisel, 39, face charges related to the abandonment of a corpse, with Tabor also charged with first-degree murder.
Disappearance and Investigation
Cook was last in contact with her family and friends around March 27, 2026, when her social media activity ceased. She was reported missing on April 9, and her vehicle was found abandoned on March 28, with her dog found a mile away from the vehicle. Authorities said Cook would never abandon her dog, which heightened concerns about her disappearance.
The investigation into her whereabouts led police to Tabor, who lived in Windsor, Missouri, the last known location of Cook. A witness later revealed that on March 28, Tabor appeared agitated when he was seen pacing outside his property, and Cook was found lying on the ground, seemingly unresponsive.
Discovery of Cook’s Body
As the investigation progressed, police learned from a witness that Tabor allegedly tied Cook’s body with ropes, attached the other end to a vehicle, and dragged her further down the property. The two men then allegedly dug a grave, wrapped Cook’s body in black fabric, and buried her. The witness claimed Tabor threatened him with a gun if he didn’t help move Cook’s car and belongings to another location in Johnson County.
The witness later guided police back to the property, where human remains were discovered. Authorities believe the remains are Cook’s, though confirmation through forensic testing is still pending.
Charges and Arrests
Tabor was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and abandonment of a corpse. The Henry County Sheriff’s Office shared in a Facebook post that the investigation is ongoing, and Tabor is being held without bond, with a bond hearing scheduled for May 5, 2026.
Eisel was also arrested and charged with abandonment of a corpse. He is being held on a $250,000 cash-only bond, though his next court date has not been disclosed.
The tragic case of Janice Cook’s death has left her family devastated, and they have been informed of the developments in the case. The investigation continues as authorities work to confirm the identity of the remains and finalize the charges against those involved.
