Keith Vinyard, a former Festus man who had been reported missing in early March, was found dead in St. Peters last week. He was 38.
St. Peters Police Sgt. Melissa Doss said today, March 28, that Vinyard was found dead on March 18 in a partially wooded area about a half mile from where he was living in the Sugarwood Condos in St. Peters.
“While there are no signs of foul play, our Criminal Investigation Division is conducting an investigation to determine the cause and manner of death,” the St. Peters Police Department said in a Facebook post that was updated on March 19. “We appreciate everyone who shared our previous post and assisted in efforts to locate Keith. Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts during this difficult time.”
Doss said the Police Department is waiting for a report from the Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the cause of death, adding that it typically takes six to 12 weeks to get full results back from the Medical Examiner’s Office.
In a March 14 Facebook post, the St. Peters Police Department asked for the public’s help in finding Vinyard, who had last been seen on March 3 at the Sugarwood Condos, where he had been living with his girlfriend.
The Police Department said Vinyard was reported missing the week of March 9 after his girlfriend had not heard from him for several days. It said he had ties to the Festus and Moscow Mills area and did not have a vehicle.
“There are concerns for Keith’s well-being, and we are actively working to confirm his safety,” the post said.
Vinyard’s obituary said he was a Festus High School graduate and an accomplished musician who performed with several St. Louis area bands. He was the son of Sally (Watkins) and Keith “Herb” Vinyard of Festus. A graveside funeral service under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home was held March 24 at Presbyterian-Methodist Cemetery.