Remains found in 1992 disappearance case as husband, mother-in-law charged

BOYLE COUNTY, Ky. - Human remains believed to be connected to the 1994 disappearance of Anna Manning were discovered in Kentucky as her husband and mother-in-law face murder-related charges in the decades-old case.

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Manning was just 23 years old when she disappeared from Junction City, Kentucky, according to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs).

The database states Manning was last seen on Nov. 19, 1992, standing outside Chinn’s Jewelry Shop on North Third Street. She was reported missing in 1994. 

Her aunt, Elsie Williams, later recalled seeing Anna that day.

"She shouted out to her aunt and said she had something to tell her," the NamUs case file states.

Williams never learned what Anna wanted to say. She never saw her niece again.

What we don't know:

Authorities said the identity of the remains will not be confirmed until forensic testing is completed, and family members have been notified, citing the sensitive nature of the investigation.

What's next:

Officials said the discovery came through ongoing investigative work involving multiple agencies. The remains have been recovered and will undergo forensic testing to determine a positive identification.

Husband, mother-in-law arrested

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Investigators have charged Anna Manning’s husband and mother-in-law in connection with what authorities say was her killing more than three decades after she disappeared.

Court records show Anthony Blaine Manning, 59, of Harrodsburg, was indicted May 18 on charges of murder, tampering with physical evidence and abuse of a corpse. Barbara Ann Manning, 76, was also indicted on charges including complicity to murder, complicity to tampering with physical evidence and complicity to abuse a corpse.

According to jail records, both were booked into the Boyle County Detention Center on May 19 and are being held on $2 million cash bonds.

Investigators also searched property on Spring Valley Road owned by Barbara Manning, where authorities spent time digging for evidence tied to the case.

What you can do:

Anyone with additional information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Boyle County Sheriff’s Office at 859-238-1220 and ask to speak with a deputy.