Missouri Prosecutor Eric Zahnd Dies Inside Courthouse

Platte County Prosecutor Eric Zahnd, 53, was found dead inside the Platte County Courthouse on Thursday afternoon, according to the local sheriff’s office.

Investigators were called to the scene around 2:15 p.m., and the building was sealed off on Friday. While officials have not released the cause of death, sources told local station KCMO that Zahnd died by suicide. The Platte County Prosecutor's Office has served as the lead prosecuting attorney for the county since 2002.

Zahnd was a proponent of stricter penalties for child sex offenders and played a significant role in the passage of Jessica’s Law, which mandates life sentences for child rapists. He had announced earlier this year that he would not seek re-election, stating that the job had "brought great joy to my life and also considerable pain along the way."

For those in distress, resources are available. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 800-273-TALK (8255) or by texting Crisis Text Line at 741741. Support is also available 24/7 via the National Suicide Prevention Hotline by dialing 988 or visiting suicidepreventionlifeline.org.