ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — The husband of a woman who disappeared earlier this week is facing a murder charge in connection to her disappearance.
Beau Rothwell, 28, was charged with one count of second-degree murder in connection to Jennifer Rothwell’s disappearance on Friday. Beau was charged with tampering with physical evidence on Thursday.
Jennifer’s disappearance was reclassified to a homicide investigation Thursday morning.
According to police, Beau reported Jennifer missing on Nov. 12 around 9:45 p.m.
Jennifer has not been found.
Beau made his first court appearance Friday morning on the charge of tampering with evidence. He was also ordered to surrender his passport and have no contact with Jennifer’s family.
His next court date is set for Jan. 27, 2020.
According to court documents, St. Louis County police said DNA matched the evidence taken from Beau’s house. He was seen on video buying bleach, carpet cleaner and gloves on Nov. 11, the day before Jennifer was reported missing. Police obtained a search warrant for his and Jennifer's home on Wednesday. Inside, detectives said they found wet carpet soaked with bleach and large areas of blood in the carpeting and underlying pad.
Beau's being held with no bond allowed.
Statement from St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Jennifer Rothwell. This is a tragic incident and my office will do everything we can to see that justice is served in this case. We have received questions relating to the charge of murder 2nd degree, as Jennifer Rothwell’s body has yet to be discovered. Based on the investigation by the St. Louis County Police Department, I believe the charges are appropriate and justice compels us to move forward. I want to reiterate the position of this office as it relates to violent offenders: I will utilize every tool we have to aggressively prosecute violent offenders and keep them off the street. Accordingly, at the bond hearing, I instructed our assistant prosecutors to request 'no bond.' The judge granted our request and the defendant will remain in custody as the case proceeds.
Lastly, I understand and respect the need to provide as much information as we can to the public on this matter, but due to this being an ongoing investigation, at this time we will not be answering any further inquiries. When we are able to release more information, we will do so in a timely manner.”
