Authorities are looking for a former boyfriend of a slain Fulton teacher in connection with her death and the death of her daughter.
At 10:58 p.m. Sunday, a caller told Boone County Joint Communications they had been unable to contact Allison Abitz, 43, and her daughter, Jozee, 14, who both resided in the 7500 block of Lavender Drive, south of Columbia.
Boone County deputies responded to the residence and found both women were deceased. Investigators determined the two were murdered based on evidence found at the scene.
According to a Boone County Sheriff's Department news release, authorities learned JT McLean, 45, was the boyfriend of Allison and their investigation revealed McLean was the last person known to be in contact with both subjects at the residence.
On Wednesday night, the sheriff's department reported there was probable cause to believe McLean murdered Allison and Jozee, but the motive for the murder of the women was unknown.
The Boone County Prosecuting Attorney's Office charged McLean with two counts of first-degree murder in the case and a warrant for his arrest was issued with bond set at $1 million, cash only.
Authorities said McLean previously changed his name and has been known to go by the names of John McLean, Steven Nagy and Steven McLean. He is described as a white male with a fair complexion, is approximately 5 feet, 9 inches tall and weighs approximately 210 pounds. McLean has green eyes and brown hair. He was last known to have grown his hair out; however, he has been known to shave his head bald in the past.
Investigators have been unable to locate McLean, who was last known to reside on County Road 355 in Fulton. McLean is an over the road truck driver.
Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of McLean or this investigation is asked to contact the Boone County Sheriff's Office through Boone County Joint Communications by calling 573-442-6131 or 311. Those wishing to remain anonymous may provide information anonymously by calling CrimeStoppers at 573-875-TIPS (8477).
The Fulton community is holding a vigil Thursday night in honor of Allison, who was a second-grade teacher at Bush Elementary School in Fulton, and her daughter, Josie, who was going to be a sixth-grader. The vigil, which is open to the public, will be at 7 p.m. at Southside Baptist Church.