Two men charged in caging and dismemberment of Missouri woman

Two men have been charged with the murder of a Missouri woman whose remains were discovered inside a house.

Timothy Norton and James Phelps have been charged with first-degree murder, facilitating a felony, abandonment of a corpse, and first-degree kidnapping.

The victim, Cassidy Rainwater, 33, was discovered through photographs provided to the FBI on September 16, through an anonymous tipoff. In the photos, the victim was seen inside a cage with slight clothing.

Rainwater’s body was tied to a deer processing crane, which was used to dismember her.

Her flesh was found inside Phelps’ freezer. The date “7-24” was written on the body parts. Her skeletal remains were found at a nearby property.

Cassidy Rainwater was reported missing on August 25 by a woman. She had also revealed that Rainwater was last seen with James Phelps in July.

Authorities found significant digital evidence showing the two men had planned the murder.

Phelps allegedly misled the Police

James Phelps, before becoming a suspect was a witness. He told Police that Rainwater was living with him until she suddenly took off. According to him, she may have went to Colorado.

Phelps allegedly told authorities that Rainwater had left in the middle of the night after meeting someone outside his house. According to him, this was a month before she disappeared.

Timothy Norton however, told FBI agents that he visited Phelps while Rainwater was sleeping. He then held down Rainwater’s legs while Phelps strangled her.

After taking a break, the two men then took the body outside the house. Phelps then tied it to the gantry crane and began the dismemberment, according to Norton.

Rainwater’s dismembered body was then carried inside the house and placed in a bathtub.

Phelps is set to appear before court on Friday, while Norton will appear on the next Thursday. The photographs sent through an anonymous tipoff helped investigators identify Phelps’ backyard, and ultimately catch the culprits.