PHELPS COUNTY, MO — After 36 long years of heartbreak, unanswered questions, and tireless pursuit of justice, there is finally some closure in the decades-old murder of Kelli Ann Workman. On June 30, 2025, exactly 36 years to the day after Kelli was first reported missing, Leonard Dwight Banks, age 64 of Gainesville, entered an Alford plea to Voluntary Manslaughter in the Phelps County Circuit Court, bringing a long-awaited development in one of Missouri’s coldest cases.

The Disappearance and Murder of Kelli Ann Workman

On June 30, 1989, 24-year-old Kelli Ann Workman was reported missing from the Church Cemetery at Dogwood Hill, a rural area in Douglas County, Missouri. Her disappearance shocked the local community, and within days, a tragic discovery was made — Kelli’s murdered body was found in neighboring Christian County.

Her death shattered her family and left a dark cloud over the community. For decades, leads came and went, and the case remained unsolved despite ongoing efforts from multiple investigative agencies.

A Break in the Case — Witness Comes Forward

The investigation remained active in the background for years, but a major turning point came in early 2024, when a key witness came forward, providing crucial information that had been missing for decades. The witness gave a statement to Christian County Detective Kevin Turpin and Division of Social Services Investigator Chris Hollis, identifying Leonard Banks and his brother Bobby Banks as primary suspects.

Thanks to this new information, a Douglas County Grand Jury indicted both Leonard and Bobby Banks on February 20, 2024. The very next day, on February 21, the two were arrested and have remained in custody since.

The Courtroom Plea and Sentencing

On June 30, 2025, in Phelps County Circuit Court, Leonard Banks entered an Alford plea to Voluntary Manslaughter. An Alford plea allows the defendant to maintain innocence while acknowledging that the prosecution has enough evidence to likely secure a conviction.

Judge William Hickle sentenced Banks to 15 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections — the maximum sentence allowed under the charge.

The case had been moved to Phelps County on a change of venue request from Leonard Banks and his legal team. Despite the change, the outcome marked a monumental step toward accountability.

Decades of Determination

Douglas County Sheriff Chris Degase, who personally worked on the case over the years, released an emotional statement following the plea:

“I know this sentence does not bring Kelli back or erase the years of unknowns, but I hope this provides some sense of closure and will allow the family to begin the healing process.”

Sheriff Degase extended heartfelt thanks to Douglas County Prosecutor Matthew Weatherman, Detective Kevin Turpin, Investigator Chris Hollis, the witness, and all the friends, family members, and citizens who never gave up.

“This outcome would not have been possible without the dedication of countless people who believed Kelli deserved justice, no matter how long it took.”

What’s Next for Bobby Banks?

While Leonard Banks has now been sentenced, Bobby Banks still faces charges related to Kelli’s murder. His case remains active, and additional court proceedings are expected in the coming months.

A Community Remembers

As news of Leonard’s plea spreads, many in the community are reflecting on the memory of Kelli Ann Workman — a vibrant, loving young woman whose life was taken far too soon.

Her family has long maintained public and private hope that justice would one day be served. While the road has been long and painful, they now have some measure of peace knowing that someone responsible has finally been held accountable.

Anyone with further information related to this case or other cold cases in the region is encouraged to contact the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.

Douglas County Sheriff’s Office

115 S. 2nd Street, Ava, MO 65608

Non-Emergency: (417) 683-1020

Rest in peace, Kelli Ann Workman.

Your story has not been forgotten, and your name will forever be tied to a community’s determination to seek truth and justice — no matter how many years pass.