Body in rural Harvey County confirmed as murder victim

Authorities on Tuesday confirmed that the body found in a wooded area next to a creek in southwestern Harvey County on Saturday is that of Scottie Goodpaster Jr., the Wichita man who went missing earlier this month.

Four people have been charged with first-degree murder in the death of Goodpaster, 33. According to a court document filed with the criminal charges, Goodpaster was tortured before he was killed.

Sedgwick County sheriff’s deputies found his body next to a creek about 3 miles north and east of Sedgwick at about noon on Saturday, authorities have said. The deputies were following up on a tip from people who had seen a white truck drive out of the rural area on the day Goodpaster went missing.

Brian Bussart, 39; Heidi Hillard, 42; Jeff Hillard, 49; and Willie Morris, 55, are charged with first-degree premeditated murder, two counts of aggravated kidnapping, one count of aggravated robbery and three counts of aggravated battery.

Alexandra Scott, 26, has been charged with kidnapping and aggravated robbery. The Hillards also face a count of rape.

This story was originally published November 15, 2016 at 5:26 PM with the headline "Body in rural Harvey County confirmed as murder victim."