Executive Summary
- The FBI has declined for a second time to assist the Howell County Sheriff’s Office in the double homicide investigation of Ira Briscoe and Limon Little.
- Sheriff Matt Roberts stated the request for FBI Laboratory assistance with evidence was officially denied on November 6, 2025.
- The Howell County Sheriff’s Office has pledged to continue its investigation despite the lack of federal support, emphasizing a patient and determined approach to building a strong case for prosecution.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has for a second time declined a request to assist in the ongoing investigation into the homicides of Ira Briscoe and Limon Little, according to Howell County Sheriff Matt Roberts. The sheriff’s office had sought the FBI Laboratory’s help in examining physical evidence recovered from the scene where human remains were discovered on August 10, 2024.
In a community update, Sheriff Roberts stated that his office formally submitted a request for assistance to the FBI’s Springfield, Missouri Field Office on April 18, 2025. After months without a decision, the sheriff’s office sought help from Congressman Jason Smith’s office to facilitate a response.
On November 6, 2025, the sheriff was officially notified that the FBI had declined to accept the case or process any related evidence. Sheriff Roberts noted this was the second time a request for FBI assistance in this investigation has been turned down.
Despite the decision, Sheriff Roberts affirmed his office’s commitment to the case. “Please know that our office continues to actively pursue this case,” he said. “Our goal is not only to identify those responsible but to build a case strong enough to result in a successful prosecution and conviction.” He added that moving forward prematurely could jeopardize the case. It is important to note that any future suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.