Eric Zahnd, 53, the longest-serving prosecutor in Platte County history, was found dead inside the Platte County Courthouse on Thursday afternoon.
The courthouse was immediately closed and remained sealed on Friday following the discovery at approximately 2:15 p.m., according to the local sheriff’s office. Sources told KCMO that Zahnd took his own life inside the building.
Zahnd had served as the county’s lead prosecuting attorney since 2002, a tenure spanning more than two decades. He played a key role in passing Jessica’s Law, which mandates life sentences for child rapists, and was central to numerous high-profile cases in Missouri. Among them was the investigation into the deaths of three Kansas City Chiefs fans found frozen in a backyard after gathering for a game night, a case that drew national attention.
Earlier this year, Zahnd announced he would not seek re-election, withdrawing from the primary just minutes before the filing deadline. In his April retirement statement, he made explicit the toll the position had taken.
“Serving the people as their prosecutor has been my great privilege and solemn responsibility for more than two decades,” Zahnd said. “This job has brought great joy to my life and also considerable pain along the way.”
Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway issued a statement expressing her grief. “Eric was a true patriot, a person of remarkable character and integrity, and a public servant who cared deeply about his community,” she said. “We are very grateful for his dedication to public safety, the rule of law, and Platte County. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Tracy, and sons, Benjamin and Luke, during this incredibly difficult time. We stand ready to assist the Platte County Prosecutor’s Office however they need.”
Clay County Prosecutor Zachary Thompson also paid tribute. “For over 2 decades, he sought justice for the citizens of Platte County with grit and integrity,” Thompson told the station. “My prayers are with his family and all those who cared about him as they navigate this difficult time.”
Zahnd was named Missouri’s prosecutor of the year in 2014, a recognition of his work during his lengthy career. Officials have not released formal details about the circumstances of his death.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or text Crisis Text Line at 741741. If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.