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Standoff shooter connected to missing woman
Posted: 06.30.2011 at 2:02 PM
Updated: 07.01.2011 at 10:05 AM
KTVO Newsdesk
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Benjamin J. Biggs (from Dec. 2007)-Jackie Douthart
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LIBERTY, ILLINOIS-MT. PLEASANT, IOWA -- UPDATED: 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 1, 2011

Our sister station, KHQA, has reported that the results of the autopsy of Benjamin J. Biggs have been released. Biggs died of a self inflicted gunshot wound to the head. He had no other injuries.

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A standoff that led to the death of a manhunt suspect may have connections to a missing Heartland woman.

Benjamin J. Biggs, 24, from Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, lead police on a high speed chase east of Liberty, Illinois Wednesday after stealing an SUV from Quincy, Illinois.

After crashing the SUV near the town of Kingsley, Illinois, Biggs ran away on foot. Officers set up a perimeter and started checking nearby houses.

Officers entered one of the residences. As their team was going up the steps, there was an altercation that led to a gun fight inside the house.

Biggs remained held up in the house for nearly 6 hours. Police used a camera to check on the suspect and found he was not moving. Officers then went back into the house.

Biggs was found to have died of a gunshot wound, but police cannot confirm yet whether it was from the exchange of fire with officers or self-inflicted.

Our sister station, KHQA, received a news tip via email from a viewer Thursday in which an article was brought to their attention regarding the disappearance of Jackie Douthart, also from Mt. Pleasant.

Jeff Uhlmeyer of Department of Criminal Investigation Iowa told KHQA that Ben Biggs is a "person of interest" regarding the disappearance of Jackie ... Biggs was an "associate" of the missing woman.

We will continue to bring you any details as they unfold.

Information provided by our sister station, KHQA

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