Update – Smithville Police have identified the body found as that of Josiah Papa. SPD confirms that the investigation is active and ongoing. No other details are available at this time.

Original – The Smithville Police Department is currently working to identify a body found on Sunday. SPD reports that officers responded to a report of a body in a wooded area near 194th Terrace. At the scene, officers found the body of a deceased white male in a densely vegetated area.

SPD confirms a search warrant was obtained for a nearby residence. The warrant was carried out with assistance from the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and the Kansas City Crime Scene Unit.

SPD Investigators and the Medical Examiner’s Office are working to identify the individual. Anyone with information is asked to call SPD at 816-858-3521 or Crime Stoppers at 816-474-8477.