William Joseph Wilkerson, 20, of Doniphan, Missouri, was found dead in Ripley County on October 17, 2024. An autopsy identified him and determined the cause of death was a gunshot wound, and local authorities opened a homicide investigation.

The Ripley County Sheriff’s Office led the inquiry, with likely involvement from the Doniphan Police Department because of his residency. Public reports from late 2024 describe few details about the circumstances of the shooting and do not name any suspects or list arrests.

Anyone who knew William, was in Ripley County or Doniphan in mid-October 2024, or has information about where he was or who he was with around October 17 is asked to contact the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office.