On May 5, 2020, 28-year-old Frankie Lee Ziegler of West Plains, Missouri, was found deceased. Her death was the result of gun violence. Ziegler was discovered along with Richard L. Kuntz, who was also fatally shot, inside a vehicle.
Known as a fun-loving young woman with a sweet soul and a beautiful smile, Frankie was born on November 16, 1991, in West Plains. In her youth, she was an active participant in speech and debate.
Her interests included writing poems, reading, singing, and spending time at the river with friends and family. She was remembered as a loving daughter, sister, granddaughter, aunt, niece, and cousin.
In the investigation that followed the discovery of Ziegler and Kuntz's bodies, three individuals were arrested in connection with the double homicide. One of the individuals charged with two counts of murder, two counts of armed criminal action, and two counts of possession of a controlled substance was Levi Daniel Gunter. After his bond was reduced to $100,000, Gunter posted it in August. However, in December 2023, it was reported that Gunter, then 41, was missing and was last seen at his residence on December 2nd. The Howell County Sheriff's Office issued a request for public assistance in locating him as he awaited trial.
