WILSON COUNTY – In a significant development in the ongoing homicide investigation, authorities have positively identified the man whose skeletal remains were discovered in rural Wilson County and made an arrest connected to the case.
The victim has been identified as Levi Ellis, a 39-yearold resident of Neodesha. Following the discovery of his skeletal remains, an autopsy was conducted to ascertain the cause of death. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), in conjunction with the Neodesha Police Department and the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office, has been actively pursuing leads in this disturbing case. After a thorough investigation, KBI agents identified a suspect and issued an arrest warrant for first-degree murder related to the death of Levi Ellis. On October 1, at approximately 1 p.m., Joseph D. Ferraro, a 56-yearold man from Neodesha, was apprehended by officers from the Broken Arrow Police Department in Oklahoma. Ferraro was taken into custody at the Clarion Hotel located at 2600 N. Aspen Ave., in Broken Arrow. He has since been booked into the Tulsa County Jail, and extradition proceedings will be pursued.
The investigation is ongoing as authorities continue to gather evidence and conduct interviews related to the case. KBI officials have indicated that they are exploring various avenues of inquiry and are committed to ensuring that justice is served. Community members are urged to assist law enforcement by coming forward with any information they may have, no matter how insignificant it may seem.
“This tragic case has affected not only the family of the victim but the entire community,” said a spokesperson for the KBI. “We appreciate the support and patience of the public as we work diligently to uncover the truth.”
Anyone with information that may assist in the investigation is encouraged to contact the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME or submit anonymous tips online at kbi. ks.gov/sar. The cooperation of the community is invaluable as investigators seek to piece together the events leading to Ellis’s death.
The investigation into a homicide began when human skeletal remains were discovered in rural Wilson County just north of Neodesha.
On September 24, at around 11:30 a.m., the Neodesha Police Department requested assistance from the KBI after locating the remains in a pasture east of 6554 Ottawa Rd., in Neodesha. KBI agents, along with the Crime Scene Response Team, responded to the scene, where investigators confirmed that the remains were indeed human.
An autopsy was conducted to help identify the remains, though officials warned that positive identification might take longer than usual due to the condition of the remains.
“This is a tragic situation that underscores the importance of community awareness and involvement,” stated the Neodesha Police Department. “We encourage anyone who may have witnessed anything unusual or has information regarding the circumstances surrounding this case to reach out.”
The KBI, Neodesha Police Department, and Wilson County Sheriff’s Office are continuing their efforts to uncover the circumstances surrounding this tragic case.
The community is encouraged to remain vigilant and informed. Updates will be provided as the investigation unfolds.
