Kansas City, Missouri — A Missouri woman is facing a first-degree murder charge after authorities say a 93-year-old woman was found dead inside her home, leading investigators to uncover evidence that ultimately resulted in the suspect’s arrest.
Clay County prosecutors announced that Kelisha Reeves, 27, has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of Diana Barco, 93, whose body was discovered inside her Kansas City residence on June 9.
Investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the case as criminal proceedings move forward.
Caregiver Found Elderly Woman Inside Home
According to court documents, concern grew after a caregiver arrived at Barco’s home and noticed something unusual. Authorities said the caregiver found the victim’s walker outside near the front entrance before entering the residence to check on her.
Inside the home, Barco was found unresponsive in the shower. Emergency responders arrived at the residence and confirmed the 93-year-old had died.
Investigators reported observing evidence inside the home that prompted a homicide investigation. The medical examiner later determined the victim had suffered multiple fatal injuries.
Investigation Led Detectives to Suspect
As detectives worked to reconstruct the events leading up to Barco’s death, they also examined reports of other criminal incidents that had occurred nearby around the same time.
According to investigators, Reeves had previously been identified as a suspect in unrelated property damage and arson investigations in the area.
During one of those incidents, authorities said a witness reported hearing someone state:
“If I can’t have a place to live, neither can you.”
Investigators later continued gathering evidence while attempting to locate Reeves.
Missing Belongings Recovered During Arrest
After family members were allowed back into the residence, they discovered that some of Barco’s belongings were missing, including a credit card.
According to prosecutors, Reeves was arrested several days later in Jasper County in connection with a separate investigation.
During that arrest, authorities allege they recovered the missing credit card along with other property believed to have belonged to the victim.
Investigators also noted that the victim’s name had allegedly been scratched off the credit card.
According to court documents, Reeves later told detectives that Barco had invited her into the home after seeing her upset and had voluntarily given her the credit card to help her find shelter.
Police continue to investigate those claims as part of the ongoing criminal case.
Defendant Remains in Custody
Reeves is currently being held at the Clay County Jail on a $1 million bond.
Court records indicate her next scheduled court appearance is set for June 30.
At this stage of the proceedings, the allegations outlined in charging documents have not been tested in court, and Reeves is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Meanwhile, investigators continue reviewing evidence as prosecutors prepare the case for future court hearings.
The death of Barco has deeply affected her family and community as loved ones remember the longtime Kansas City resident while awaiting the outcome of the legal process.
What are your thoughts on protecting vulnerable senior citizens and preventing crimes targeting older adults? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
