VAN BUREN, Mo. — Dylan Hanger, 30, of Mountain View, pleaded guilty to murder in the 2nd degree after stabbing his ex-wife to death in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways park.
According to court documents, on or about May 20, 2020, Hanger met his estranged wife Brittany Gorman at the Buck Hollow Access Area, along the Jacks Fork River, within Ozark National Scenic Riverways in Texas County. An argument ensued during which Hanger stabbed Gorman multiple times, resulting in her death.
A joint investigation was conducted by special agents of the National Parks Service Investigative Services Branch, along with NPS law enforcement rangers, officers and investigators from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Texas County Sheriff’s Office and the Texas County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. The investigation led to the recovery of Gorman’s remains and to Hanger’s subsequent arrest and indictment in federal court.
Hanger is being held by the U.S. Marshals Service until sentencing. The maximum penalty for 2nd degree murder is up to life imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
“While nothing can bring Brittany back, we hope this plea provides closure to the Gorman family,” stated Lindel Gregory, Chief Law Enforcement Ranger. “We would like to thank our investigative partners for all of their efforts, especially the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Texas County Sheriff’s Office, and the Texas County Prosecuting Attorney.”
Anyone witnessing criminal or suspicious activity within the Ozark National Scenic Riverways is encouraged to notify law enforcement by contacting the NPS regional dispatch center toll free at 844-460-3604. The public is also encouraged to visit the ISB on the web at www.nps.gov/isb, or report criminal activity in any national park by calling the ISB Tip Line at 888-653-0009.