A disturbing case from Missouri has come to a partial close after a man admitted to hiding the body of a young woman who went missing under suspicious circumstances. The case highlights serious concerns about drug use and attempts to cover up crimes.
Man Pleads Guilty in Missing Woman Case
Jacob Block, 28, has pleaded guilty to charges of abandoning a corpse and tampering with evidence in connection with the death of Abbi Schaeffer, a 22-year-old woman who disappeared in May 2022.
Authorities said Block tried to hide her body after she went missing. He has now been sentenced to six years in prison for these charges.
Victim’s Disappearance and Investigation
Abbi Schaeffer was last seen on May 23, 2022, when she left her home and got into a car with her cat. Her family tracked her location using an app, which last showed her at a house in Jackson County.
Investigators later confirmed that she entered a residence with Jacob Block — and was never seen leaving.
Despite early efforts, police were unable to locate her at the time.
Surveillance and Suspicious Activity
As the investigation continued, surveillance footage revealed important details:
- Schaeffer was seen entering the house with Block
- Block and another woman were seen moving in and out frequently
- Cleaning items like mops and buckets were reportedly used
- Cameras were briefly turned off
- A large box-like object was later loaded into a truck
These actions raised strong suspicions of a cover-up.
Remains Found After Nearly a Year
In April 2023, nearly a year after her disappearance, skeletal remains were found in a box in a roadside ditch.
The remains were later identified as Abbi Schaeffer.
Due to the advanced state of decomposition, the exact cause of death could not be confirmed. However, toxicology results showed the presence of fentanyl and other substances.
Link to Drug Activity
Investigators believe Schaeffer may have died from a possible overdose. Evidence suggested that she was given fentanyl before her death.
Block had also been involved in a separate federal case related to fentanyl distribution and was sentenced to 20 years in prison earlier for that crime.
Other Accused Still Facing Charges
Another individual, Eunice Carlo-Martinez, has also been charged in connection with the case. Her legal proceedings are still ongoing.
