The Independence Police Department has confirmed that the man who was reported missing on Saturday, a 19-year-old, is indeed the same individual who was found dead on Sunday.
At approximately 4:45 p.m. on Sunday, November 24, the Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department received a dispatch to the vicinity of I-435 and Truman Road. Concerned callers reported a person who appeared to be unconscious in their vehicle.
First responders discovered the car on the interstate’s southbound exit ramp. The man inside appeared to have sustained a gunshot wound. The scene pronounced him dead.
Earlier on that day, the Independence Police Department had issued an alert for a missing person. The person in question was Preston Bell, a 19-year-old individual.
Bell disappeared on the evening of Saturday, November 23. He was last seen around 8:30 p.m., being forcibly taken into his car in front of his house. His family tried to contact him, but were unable to reach him.
Independence officers arrived at the scene at I-435 and Truman Road on Sunday and confirmed that the man who had passed away was Bell.
The death of Bell is currently being investigated by IPD as a homicide. At this time, there is no available information on any suspects. If you have any information regarding this case, please contact the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.