New autopsy confirms injuries not consistent with decomposition
The death of Alonzo Brooks, Gardner, whose body was found in a creek in La Cygne in 2004, has been ruled a homicide following a new autopsy completed after the body was exhumed in conjunction with the Netflix series “Unsolved Mysteries” in 2020.
During the course of the investigation after the case was reopened in 2019, Brooks’ body was transported to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware for examination by the Armed Forces medical examiner. The examiner’s report concludes that the cause of death was homicide.
“We knew that Alonzo Brooks died under very suspicious circumstanc’es,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Duston Slinkard. “This new examination by a team of the world’s best forensic pathologists and experts establishes it was no accident. Alonzo Brooks was killed.”
Brooks attended a party at a farmhouse outside of La Cygne in April 2004 and was left there by those he attended with, supposedly at his request. According to the Netflix episode on the death of Brooks, there was an altercation early in the evening between Brooks and another person at the party; however, when it came time to go, the friends stated Brooks said he would get a ride back with another person so they left him there. That person told producers of the episode that when he was ready to go, he could not find Brooks and assumed he had left with someone else.
Following his disappearance, Linn County law enforcement searched the area but found nothing.
After Brooks had been missing for almost a month, a group of his family and friends organized a search. They began on the road near the farmhouse and walked the two branches of Middle Creek. In just under an hour, they found Brooks’ body, partially on top of a pile of brush and branches in the creek.
“The FBI’s commitment to justice remains at the forefront of each and every investigation,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Timothy Langan in the press release following the determination of the autopsy. “Our reach is broad, and the strength of our investigative tools are exceptional. We remain dedicated to uncovering the truth surrounding the murder of Alonzo Brooks and ensuring those responsible are held accountable for their actions.”
According to the press release, the new autopsy focused on injuries to parts of Brooks’ body that the examiner concluded are inconsistent with normal patterns of decomposition; however, details of the examination are being withheld for investigative purposes.
In the initial investigation, a coroner in Linn County said he was unable to determine a cause of death, and witness interviews failed to produce any arrests. The new investigation is focused on determining whether Brooks, an African-American who was 23 years old when he died, was the victim of a racially motivated killing.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call the FBI at 816-512-8200 or 816-474-TIPS, or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov. As part of the new investigation, the FBI is offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone responsible for Brooks’ death.
NEWS
SPECIAL: Commission to vote Monday on Parker Center lease

Linn County commissioners plan to vote at their weekly 9 a.m. meeting next Monday, June 2, on a 99-year lease agreement with Parker and their Senior Center building. At Tuesday's weekly Commission meeting, delayed by a day because of Monday's federal Memorial Day observance,... [More]
Despite Chamber loss, Blast in the Park fireworks will go off

Council actions include split vote on deed conveyance Hearing of the disbandment of its local Chamber of Commerce, La Cygne leaders have verbally concurred that the city’s part in the annual Blast in the Park festivities will go on. Following that Chamber notification... [More]
Linn Valley discusses city hall funding sources

The Linn Valley City Council held its bi-monthly meeting at 6 p.m. on Monday, May 12, 2025, with Mayor Lew Donelson presiding and all council members present. Donelson informed the council of two potential opportunities for funding a new City Hall building. ... [More]
More News
- USD 362 board rejects adding bus A/C
- SPECIAL: Blue Mound man seriously injured in accident
- Commissioners make official statement on Tanglewood roads
- La Cygne okays local police firing range
- Mound City council adopts rules for camping
- LCSO releases statement on incident
- Pleasanton requests 1-year automatic aid fire extension
- Commissioners hear update, discuss aid agreement for Pleasanton FD
SPORTS
Jayhawk track breaks another school record and qualifies multiple athletes for State

The Jayhawk Linn track team traveled to West Franklin on May 22 to compete in the 3A Regional. As a team the girls placed 10th with a score of 22.5 points while the boys were fifth with 56 points. This year the top three places in each event qualify for the State meet then... [More]
School records and State qualifiers are made for the Jays at Eureka

The Pleasanton track team traveled to Eureka on May 22 for a 2A Regional track meet. This year the top three places advance to the State meet along the top four times/distances not from the top three from all other Regionals. This year the Jays qualified eight athletes in seven... [More]
More Sports
- Lady Hawks win league as Hawks host TRL meet
- Pleasanton track sets school records at Pioneer League track meet
- Prairie View track sets meet and league records at Wellsville
- Pleasanton baseball splits against Jayhawk
- Prairie View softball defeats Osawatomie and Girard
- Jayhawk baseball earns win over Pleasanton
- Prairie View track has a great day as they host home invitational
- Jayhawk track places top three at Prairie View
COMMUNITY
Remembering those who gave all

While many of us choose to utilize Memorial Day weekend to remember our own loved ones who have gone before us, the real purpose behind the holiday is memorializing those who gave everything to the service of their country and their fellow Americans. It’s about taking time... [More]
Prairie View FFA captures State Ag Mechanics Championship

MANHATTAN, KAN. - The Prairie View High School FFA Chapter has secured a remarkable victory at the Kansas FFA State Agricultural Mechanics Career Development Event (CDE), demonstrating exceptional technical skills and teamwork that will propel them to the national competition... [More]
Free summer meals for kids age 1 to 18 in Pleasanton

Faith Chapel Church and the Kansas Food Bank have partnered to provide summer meals for children in Pleasanton as part of the USDA Summer Food Service Program. Meals will be distributed as a “Grab & Go” each week. Meals will be distributed at the church,... [More]
More Community
- New rescue seeks donations to aid startup
- Cultivating Kindness film premiere held on April 27
- Jayhawk Linn to present ‘Maid to Order’ for spring play
- Students surprise teacher with bell ringing
- Shillito selected for Heartland Youth Tour
- 60 years of friendships and memories
- Baby birth, voting… almost rolled into one package
- Kellstadt opens new business in Mound City