07/17/1976 - Report #40 - Victim: Debra Sue Francis - Location: Franklin County, MO

MCS Report #40

Classification: Homicide

Requesting Agency: Franklin County Sheriff's Department

Date of Activation: 07/17/1976

Commander and Department: Lt. Joseph Spiess, St. Louis Metropolitan PD

Report Officer and Department: Capt. Thomas Jones, Crestwood PD

Victim: Debra Sue Francis

Suspect: William D. Gauer

The Franklin County Sheriff's Department requested the assistance of the Major Case Squad in investigating the death of Debra Francis (age 19). At approximately 1:22pm, deputies responded to the area of Highway H near the intersection of Elmont Road (close to Sullivan, MO) for a report of a found body. There officers found the body of Debra Francis next to a fence near a pasture. She had been reported missing in St. Louis, MO on 07/15/1976 after not having been seen since 07/13/1976. It was determined she died from blunt force trauma.

As a result of this investigation, Debra’s boyfriend, William Gauer (age 26), was charged in her death.