Robert Duren Obituary, Death – Police have confirmed the identity of a homicide victim whose body was found by firefighters at the scene of a house fire in Kansas City over the weekend. On Thursday, the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department identified the victim as Robert “Robby” Duren, a 16-year-old who had been reported missing.
Duren’s disappearance was initially reported to the Missouri State Highway Patrol prior to the incident. The fire began late Saturday night, with firefighters receiving the emergency call at 11:23 p.m. They responded to a blaze at a residence located near the intersection of Bales Avenue and 57th Street. Upon arrival, the firefighters observed smoke and flames emanating from the structure.
As they conducted their search of the house for any occupants, the KCFD crews discovered the body of the missing teenager. This discovery led the Kansas City Police Department to classify Duren’s death as a homicide. The police began their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death two days after the fire.
Duren had last been seen leaving a relative’s home just a day before the fire occurred. Following the discovery, the fire department involved the KCPD Bomb and Arson Unit to probe the cause of the fire, a standard procedure for incidents involving fatalities. Subsequently, the Homicide Unit was also called in to assist with the investigation.
Initially, police described Duren’s death as suspicious. However, as of now, the exact cause of the fire has not been determined by the KCFD. The case remains unsolved, with no arrests made as of yet. Authorities are appealing to the public for any information that might assist in solving the case.
Anyone with details about the fire or Duren’s death is urged to contact the Kansas City Police Department at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS. In an effort to gather information, the KCPD has announced a reward of $25,000 for any tips that lead to an arrest and conviction in the case. Despite this, no additional information has been made available at this time.