Missouri Son Accused of Killing His Father After Reading Him Last Rites and Praying the Lord’s Prayer

A Missouri man is accused of killing his own father after praying with him and reading him his last rites, telling investigators he wanted to end the older man’s suffering. But what authorities discovered beneath construction debris at the family’s property revealed a disturbing case that has left a community searching for answers.

Richard Saettele, 40, allegedly confessed to killing his 63-year-old father, Michael Saettele, at their home in Foley, Missouri. According to a probable cause affidavit cited by Law&Crime, the incident began with an argument sometime in the middle or latter part of September. During the confrontation, Richard claimed his father threw a flathead screwdriver at him. He allegedly grabbed the tool and stabbed Michael in the eye, leaving him seriously wounded.

According to investigators, Richard said his father fell to the ground and told him, “Ricky, this is not the way.” He reportedly attempted to remove the screwdriver but could not because it was lodged in the wound. Richard later told police that his father made what he described as deeply moving statements while suffering for approximately five minutes. He then began reciting the Lord’s Prayer with him.

However, the situation took an even more disturbing turn. Richard allegedly told investigators that he could no longer bear watching his father suffer. He went inside the house, obtained a kitchen cleaver and returned to where Michael was lying. According to the affidavit, Richard read his father his last rites before stabbing him directly in the heart, claiming he wanted to end the suffering. He reportedly told police that the knife’s handle broke off, leaving the blade inside his father’s body.

After determining that Michael was no longer breathing, Richard allegedly dragged his father’s body away from the scene and dug a shallow grave using a military shovel. He placed the body in the hole, covered it with dirt and concealed the area. Investigators said he later covered the remains with fiberglass insulation after noticing an unpleasant odor. Richard reportedly considered burning the body but rejected the idea, saying he believed it would be disrespectful and that he wanted to provide his father with a proper burial.

The case came to light after Richard allegedly told another person about the killing on October 23. That individual contacted the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, prompting authorities to investigate the property. On October 24, detectives and cadaver-detection dogs searched an attached shed. Both dogs independently alerted to the same area, where officers discovered human remains beneath construction debris and insulation. The remains were identified as those of Michael Saettele, according to the report.

Richard Saettele was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, first-degree domestic assault and two counts of armed criminal action. He is being held at the Lincoln County Jail without bond. Although he allegedly told investigators that his actions were intended to end his father’s suffering, authorities are pursuing serious criminal charges. The case now moves forward through the legal system, where the allegations will be addressed in court.

Source: Law&Crime