DNA links former cop to alleged rape and murder in Cass County

The alleged abduction and rape of a female in Harrisonville two weeks ago has led to the arrest of a former City of Grandview Police Officer in connection to the cold case murder of Cara Jo Roberts of Harrisonville in 2008.

Jeffrey D. Moreland, 52, of Harrisonville was arrested when a search warrant was obtained for the former officer’s DNA after a woman accused him of offering her a ride and then raping her June 30 in Harrisonville. 

Moreland had been a suspect since late May when his former girlfriend recognized a sketch made of the suspect in her own mother’s murder in October.  The suspect sketch was that of a person of interest in Cara Jo Roberts’ murder.  DNA evidence from both murders pointed to the same person being involved.  She approached law enforcement with her suspicions.  Police questioned Moreland in early June about the October, 2010 murder of 75 year old Nina Whitney of Kansas City.  He refused to give a DNA sample at that time.

His DNA was a match for the DNA collected at the crime scenes of Cara Jo Roberts and Nina Whitney.  He sits in the Cass County Jail with a bond in excess of one million dollars.

An initial arraignment has been set for Thursday, July 14 at 9:00am at the Cass County Justice Center.  Judge Michael Rumley is presiding.