Minor found dead of suspected suicide

By Roxie Murphy, Staff Writer
Posted 5/31/23

BELLE — A 17-year-old boy was declared dead on May 24 of a suspected suicide by hanging according to the Maries County Sheriff’s Department.

The death of Kamron R. Picard (Turner) is …

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Minor found dead of suspected suicide

Posted

BELLE — A 17-year-old boy was declared dead on May 24 of a suspected suicide by hanging according to the Maries County Sheriff’s Department.

The death of Kamron R. Picard (Turner) is still under active investigation, although no foul play is suspected.

Chief Deputy Scott John said on May 25 that Cpl. Tim Edwards, Cpl. Shannon Fannon, and Det. Dale Harp was dispatched to a call in the 30000 block of Maries County Road 424 to property that belongs to the Picard family.

“The public is not in any danger,” John said. “No foul play is suspected. It is a suspected suicide, but we are investigating outside contributing factors.”

Picard was a student at Belle High School.

According to the obituary, Picard would have started his junior year at Belle High School in August 2023.

Maries R-2 Superintendent Dr. Lenice Basham said counselor services are available during summer school.

Basham said there is a new mental health services provider in the district.

“Maries County R-2 counselors are available during summer school,” Basham said. “Please reach out if your child needs to talk.”

More assistance will be available in August upon the return to school.

“We will have a mental health provider who will be on campus several days a week starting in August through a mental health grant provided by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.”

A federal phone number is also available.

“The biggest thing for people to know is the new mental health line, which is federal,” she said. “Counselors are available by calling 988. If you are concerned, call 988, even if you turn out to be wrong.”

Basham said the school district has suicide prevention programs every year for students and staff.

“We want people to say something,” she said. “If they are having a problem, say something and hope it can be resolved. If they are concerned, say something.”

Visitation for Kamron Picard will be held on Thursday, June 1, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Sassmann’s Chapel in Belle. Funeral services will follow at 3 p.m. with Jimmy Hance officiating. The interment will be in the Bland Union Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the family or to an account set up for funeral expenses at Maries County Bank.