Police are searching for a 21-year-old woman whose burned-out car was found in south Kansas City Saturday — two days after she was last seen at a house party.
The Kansas City Police Department found Jessica Runions’ car — a black 2012 Chevy Equinox — at about 2 a.m. Saturday, according to a KCPD statement.
Runions’ aunt, Michele Runions, told NBC affiliate KSHB-TV that her niece had left a house party Thursday with her boyfriend’s childhood friend, Kylr Yust.
Police have yet to name any suspects in the case and are continuing their search for Runions.
'Items of interest' found in search for Kristin Smart
Yust, however, does have a criminal history — and an ex-girlfriend who disappeared under mysterious circumstances.
His ex, Kara Kopetsky, disappeared in May 2007 shortly after she and her mother, Rhonda Beckford, filed a restraining order against Yust alleging that he was abusive.
Kopetsky was never found, and Yust was not charged in her disappearance.
Yust later pleaded guilty to abusing a different girlfriend — and he’s also been arrested for theft and animal cruelty, including killing cats.
He was also sentenced to prison for drug trafficking in 2013, records show.
Authorities say they are “very concerned” for Runions’ safety.
“It’s suspicious circumstances, her vehicle unoccupied, burned in a remote area ... just asking anyone who has had contact with her to call the police,” Captain Stacey Graves, a police spokesperson, told KCTV News.
Foxwood Springs, an assisted living facility, confirmed that Runions works there.
Anyone with information on the missing woman’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact KCPD’s Missing Persons line at 816-234-5136 or the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-8477.
read more