The Independence Police Department announced Thursday that the human remains of a woman who disappeared in 1984 have been identified.

Due to advancements in DNA analysis and state-supported forensic resources, it was confirmed in July 2025 that the remains belonged to Kimberly L. Carter, a 19-year-old mother of three from Kansas City.

Carter disappeared under "suspicious circumstances" in 1984, according to IPD.

Four years after her disappearance, a construction crew uncovered a human skull in a remote area of eastern Independence.

An investigation was launched, leading to the recovery of approximately 40% of a human skeleton.

The remains were transferred to the University of Missouris Department of Anthropology for analysis. They were returned to the Independence police in October 20

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