Paul Fischer, 59, disappeared from his family’s property in Saint Charles, Missouri, in early February 2017. A fifth-generation farmer and longtime St. Charles Street Department employee, Fischer was well known locally for his large garden and dedication to the land. A search ended when human remains were found in a burn pile across the highway from his farm near Highway 94 and Blase Station Road, and the remains were identified as Fischer.

Investigators focused on 25-year-old Nicholas Preli, who had been on the property around the time Fischer vanished. Police allege an argument over an all-terrain vehicle led to a physical fight. Preli reportedly told detectives Fischer tried to strike him with a hammer, that he then drew a Glock and shot Fischer two or three times until he fell, and that he subsequently fired remaining rounds into the victim and later returned to burn the body after hiding it. Preli was charged with second-degree murder and tampering with physical evidence and was taken back to the scene to re-enact the killing.

Fischer’s siblings and his girlfriend were left to mourn a man described as a hard worker who would do anything for his friends. Does anyone who knew Paul or saw activity near Highway 94 and Blase Station Road in early February 2017 have information to share?