The Independence Police Department has confirmed that a 19-year-old man reported missing on Saturday is the same individual found deceased on Sunday.
On November 24, around 4:45 p.m., the Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department responded to a report of someone slumped over in a vehicle near the intersection of I-435 and Truman Road.
When first responders arrived, they located a vehicle on the southbound exit ramp of the interstate. Inside, they discovered a man with an apparent gunshot wound, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Earlier that day, the Independence Police Department had issued a missing person alert for 19-year-old Preston Bell.
Bell was last seen around 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 23, reportedly being forcibly taken into his car outside his home. His family was unable to reach him afterward. Upon arrival at the scene on Sunday, Independence officers confirmed the deceased was Bell.
The Independence Police Department is investigating Bell’s death as a homicide. At this time, no suspects have been identified. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.