A Missouri man has been charged with murder after investigators allegedly discovered the body of a woman hidden inside a trash bin that was later dumped into a creek. The shocking case came to light after a boater reported a suspicious container floating in the water, leading authorities to uncover what prosecutors describe as an attempt to conceal a homicide.
Body Found Inside Floating Trash Bin
According to court documents, the investigation began on May 17 when a boater spotted a City of Columbia trash bin floating in Perche Creek in Boone County, Missouri. The man reported a strong smell of decomposition coming from the container and immediately contacted authorities.
Deputies arrived at the scene and worked with the boater to move the bin to the creek bank. When the container was opened, officers discovered the body of an adult woman inside. The discovery prompted an immediate homicide investigation as authorities began searching for evidence and identifying those involved.
Surveillance Footage Leads Investigators to Suspect
As part of the investigation, detectives reviewed surveillance footage from the area near Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area, close to where the trash bin was recovered. Investigators reportedly found an image showing a red Chevrolet S-10 pickup truck travelling on a nearby road.
The footage allegedly showed a City of Columbia trash bin lying in the bed of the truck. According to the probable cause affidavit, the recovered bin and the one seen in the surveillance image shared unique identifying characteristics. Investigators concluded that the container found in the creek was consistent with the one being transported in the pickup truck.
Andrew Acton Identified and Questioned
Police later located the vehicle and identified 53-year-old Andrew Acton as the driver. Authorities described him as an admitted drug user and questioned him about the events surrounding the case.
Court documents state that Acton claimed he could not remember what happened during the period in question. He allegedly told investigators that the only thing he remembered was driving around all day. Investigators further noted that despite being given multiple opportunities to explain his actions, he never specifically denied dumping the trash bin containing the victim’s body.
Prosecutors Detail Alleged Killing
Investigators believe the woman was killed sometime between October 1, 2025, and May 10, 2026. According to the criminal complaint, Acton allegedly caused the victim’s death by strangling and smothering her.
Authorities claim that after the killing, he placed the woman’s body inside the trash container and later dumped it in Perche Creek in an effort to prevent it from being discovered. Prosecutors allege that these actions were intended to interfere with any future death investigation and criminal prosecution.
Charges Filed Against Missouri Man
Andrew Acton has been charged with second-degree murder, abandonment of a corpse, and tampering with physical evidence. Prosecutors allege that he disposed of the victim’s body in the area of Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area around May 11, 2026.
At this stage, investigators have not publicly disclosed a motive for the alleged crime. Additional details regarding the victim and her relationship to the suspect have also not been released.
Court Appearance Scheduled
Acton is currently being held in the Boone County Jail without bond. Court records show that he is scheduled to appear before a judge on June 9 as the case moves through the legal system.
Authorities are expected to present additional evidence during future court proceedings as investigators continue working to establish the full timeline of events.
