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Josiah Mathew Papa, age 25 (Smithville Police Department)
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Unidentified Body Discovered Sunday in Smithville, Missouri Identified as a Missing Leavenworth, Kansas Man

SMITHVILLE, MO- According to the Smithville Police Department, the unidentified body found on Sunday, July 21, 2024 has been identified as that of Josiah Papa, a missing person that was last known to be in the area of northern Smithville. 

Josiah Mathew Papa, age 25, went missing from Leavenworth, Kansas on Friday July 12, 2024. Josiah was last seen in Smithville, Missouri. Josiah Papa was reported to have made recent suicidal statements. 

PREVIOUS from Clay County, Missouri Sheriff:

Unidentified Body Discovered in Wooded Area Near 194th Terrace in Smithville, Missouri

SMITHVILLE, MO — Clay County Sheriff Will Akin reports that: We received some inquiries about the search warrant our STAR Team assisted with Sunday night in Smithville. This is what that was about.

Please contact Smithville Police or the TIPS Hotline if you have any information that can help the investigation.

On Sunday, July 21, 2024, officers from the Smithville Police Department responded to a report of a body in a wooded area near 194th Terrace.

Upon arrival, the officers discovered the body of a deceased white male in a densely vegetated area.

During the initial investigation, a search warrant was obtained for a nearby residence. The warrant was executed with the assistance of the Clay County Sheriff's Office and the Kansas City Crime Scene Unit.

Investigators are working with the Medical Examiner's Office to identify the individual.

The Smithville Police Department urges anyone with information related to this case (Case# 12400680) to come forward.

Information can be provided by calling 816-858-3521 or 816-532-0500 and speak with Det. Knowles.

An anonymous tip can be submitted via the Crime Stoppers Tips Hotline at 816- 474-8477 or KCCrimestoppers.com .

Investigators are working to determine the identity of the deceased and will share more information as it becomes available.

The Smithville Police Department is dedicated to serving and protecting our community with honor, integrity, compassion, and professionalism. Our officers strive to ensure the safety and security of all residents and visitors.

For more information about our services, please visit SmithvilleMO.org

 

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