Farmington Man Arrested in Woman's Death

(Farmington, MO) A man from Farmington, 55 year old Kevin Dement, is being charged with felony tampering with evidence and abandonment of a corpse in the death of 44 year old Anne Marie Whittle of Farmington. The investigation into Whittle's death began Tuesday morning at about 10 o'clock when Farmington officers were asked to contact the Franklin County Sheriff's Department over information they obtained from a witness concerning the wellbeing of Whittle. An officer with the department attempted to contact Whittle but was unable to locate her at her address or where she worked. During the investigation Dement's name came up as a suspect. He was found at his place of employment and was interviewed by investigators. Dement allegedly told police he picked up Whittle in Farmington and drove her to his home where they had a verbal altercation that turned physical. Dement also is said to have told police they would find her body in the basement of his residence at 127 Moore Street in Farmington. A search warrant was obtained and the body was recovered. An autopsy is scheduled to determine the manner and cause of death. Dement has been taken to the St. Francois County jail where he's being held without bond.