The body of a 39-year-old newlywed woman was discovered buried beneath a heap of clothes in the rear of her damaged and deserted automobile. The vehicle was found in Tulsa, Oklahoma on Sunday afternoon, January 28, following police obtaining a search warrant for her car.

The Tulsa Police Department confirmed the incident, marking the conclusion of an intense search for Cassidy Ritchie, who had been missing since January 20.

Ritchie had recently tied the knot with Chris Morland on January 7 and was officially declared as missing and endangered by the Tulsa Police on January 25. The search for her involved a significant community effort, including her children and local volunteers. Tragically, the search ended with the discovery of Ritchie’s body in her car, found near Highway 412 between Catoosa and Inola, near the “I Don’t Care Bar and Grill.”

The car exhibited evidence of significant off-road debris, suggesting a rough journey prior to its abandonment.

Ritchie’s new husband, Chris Morland, is currently under scrutiny as a person of interest in the case. He is being held on unrelated outstanding warrants from Texas and was first questioned about his wife’s disappearance while incarcerated on January 25. Morland has an extensive criminal history, including charges of domestic violence and larceny. He is currently being held without bond as a justice fugitive.

Joey David, Ritchie’s eldest son, announced her death publicly via social media, expressing the family’s grief and asking for privacy during this challenging time. They expressed their gratitude to all those who aided in the search for Ritchie and requested continued support and prayers.

Authorities are particularly interested in the period between January 21 and 23, which coincides with the time Morland returned to the couple’s Tulsa home alone. Reports suggest that the couple’s relationship was fraught with difficulties, including a prior incident of domestic violence.

With the discovery of Ritchie’s body, police have now categorized the case as a homicide.

The Tulsa Police Department is urging anyone with pertinent information to step forward and contact Tulsa Crime Stoppers.