INDEPENDENCE, Mo. — The Independence Police Department is investigating a missing persons case turned homicide after Elayjah Murray was reported missing on November 28 and later found dead on November 29, with Eric Philips identified as a person of interest, though no one is currently in custody.
As the missing persons report quickly evolved into a criminal investigation, the Independence Criminal Investigation Unit uncovered information suggesting that Murray had possibly been shot, escalating the urgency surrounding the case.
Independence police confirmed that Murray’s body was discovered in south Kansas City, Missouri, though authorities have not released further details about the condition of the remains or the circumstances of the discovery. The exact timeline leading from Murray’s disappearance to the recovery of the body remains under active review.
While Eric Philips has been publicly identified as a person of interest, investigators emphasize that he has not been taken into custody and no arrests have been made at this time. Detectives are actively seeking to locate Philips for questioning as they continue following leads and gathering additional evidence.
The case now involves coordination between Independence Police, Kansas City authorities, and other investigative units as they work to determine the events that led to Murray’s death. Officials stress that the investigation is ongoing and evolving, and more information will be released as it becomes verified.
Authorities are urging anyone with knowledge of Murray’s disappearance, death, or the whereabouts of Eric Philips to come forward. Tips may prove critical as detectives work to bring clarity and justice to the case.
Further updates will be provided as new details develop.
