Murder of Kelsey Smith
 | This article documents a current event. Information may change rapidly as the event progresses, and initial news reports may be unreliable. The latest updates to this article may not reflect the most current information. (June 2007) |
 | This article is currently being heavily edited because its subject has recently died. Information about their death and related events may change significantly and initial news reports may be unreliable. The most recent updates to this article may not reflect the most current information. |
Kelsey Ann Smith (May 3, 1989-June 2, 2007) was an Overland Park, Kansas teenager who disappeared on June 2 2007 and was murdered sometime between then and June 6, 2007.[1]
Overview
Kelsey was last seen at 7:09 PM CST on June 2, 2007 in the parking lot at the Target store at 97th and Quivira, behind the Oak Park Mall in Overland Park, Kansas. Police, other authorities and the national media launched an extensive publicity campaign and search for Kelsey.
Surveillance video from Target shows Kelsey purchasing a present for her 6 month anniversary, which was to be given to her boyfriend, and then leaving the store before she disappeared.[2] Approximately two hours later, her car was found abandoned outside of Macy's in the Oak Park mall parking lot across the street.[2] Her purse and wallet were left in the car.[3]
There is strong evidence that Kelsey may have been abducted. Additional surveillance video from Target appears to show someone forcing Kelsey into her car.[4] Additional video evidence from Target identified a suspicious 1970s era Chevrolet truck. Target stores use a large number of video cameras, and these can often be enhanced internally through their Target Forensic Services division.
Body identification
After determining the final pings sent by her cellular phone, a number of search areas were identified. Her body was found 3 days later in a wooded area of Grandview, Missouri about 18 to 20 miles from where she was abducted.[5]
Suspect charged
On the evening of June 6th, 2007 police arrested Edwin R. Hall, 26, of Olathe, Kansas. Hall was charged June 7, 2007 of premeditated first-degree murder and aggravated kidnapping. Hall has no criminal record but has a juvenile record of assault. Juvenile records are sealed and as so not much is known about his prior offense. Hall's bond was set at $5 million.[6] Police do not believe Hall knew her.
Death
On June 6, 2007 at 1:30 p.m. local time, searchers discovered a body in a wooded area in Grandview, Missouri that was thought to be that of Kelsey Smith.[5] Police detectives reportedly found the body because of a cell phone ping that originated from the area on June 2.[3] Upon report of her death, www.findkelsey.com went offline, and was quickly remade into a dedication site. Cause of death was determined to be stangulation, reports of her being raped have not been refuted or confirmed.
National media attention
Beyond local Kansas City news affiliate coverage, the case has received prominent national media attention, including coverage by national news services FOXNews,[1] CNN,[7] MSNBC,[8] and the Today Show.
External links
- Kelsey's Army
- America's Most Wanted Profile of Kelsey Smith
- MyFoxKC
- City of Overland Park, Kansas - press release
- Dedication and news website about Kelsey
- Findagrave Memorial Page
References
- ^ a b "Reward Offered in Search for Missing Kansas Teenager". FOXnews.com. 2007-06-04. Retrieved 2007-06-06.
- ^ a b "Body Found Believed to be Missing Kansas Girl". ABCnews.com. 2007-06-06. Retrieved 2007-06-07.
- ^ a b "Police Look for Killer After Body of Missing Kansas Teen is Found". FOXnews.com. 2007-06-06. Retrieved 2007-06-07.
- ^ "Surveillance Video Shows Missing Kansas Teen Being Forced Into Car". FOXnews.com. 2007-06-06. Retrieved 2007-06-07.
- ^ a b Donley, Timothy (2007-06-06). "Kelsey Smith's body found, search for suspect not over". NBCactionnews.com. Retrieved 2007-06-06.
- ^ "Suspect Arrested for Kidnapping and Murdering Kansas Teen Kelsey Smith". FOXnews.com. 2007-06-07. Retrieved 2007-06-07.
- ^ "Police arrest suspect in missing teen case". CNN.com. 2007-06-07. Retrieved 2007-06-07.
- ^ "Man arrested in abduction, death of teen". MSNBC.com. 2007-06-07. Retrieved 2007-06-07.