Suspect in death investigation in Benton County, Mo., turns himself in

WARSAW, Mo. (KY3) - A man wanted in a death investigation in Benton County, Mo., is behind bars.

Caleb Self, 24, of Cole Camp, Mo., turned himself into the Benton County Sheriff’s Office. Self is charged with first-degree murder in connection to the death of Matthew Reyburn near Lincoln in 2019.

When police were called to the home in 2019, they found Reyburn in a pool of blood, beaten, and with multiple gunshot wounds.

“He was beaten beyond recognition and shot, like 10 times laying in a puddle. And that’s how I found him, and I’ve been taking care of him for ten years since my sister passed away. He was 11 years old. I have nightmares all the time,” said Debbie Gerhardt, Reyburn’s aunt.

Self was a suspect throughout the investigation, even arrested and charged back in 2020, but the charges did not stick.

According to court records, Self pleaded not guilty in 2020, but the sheriff says he confessed to the crime Tuesday afternoon. Self was initially charged with armed criminal action and tampering with evidence nearly two years ago.

Court documents say Self told police he went to Reyburn’s house with the intent to kill him. He also told police he knew from tv how to get away with the crime.

Investigators say the two had gotten into an argument before the killing over $70 and marijuana.

He is scheduled to be in front of a Benton County judge next Tuesday.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is assisting the Benton County Sheriff’s Office with the investigation.

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