GoFundMe Launched for Woman Found Dead after Mysterious Disappearance from Workplace in Independence

A crowdfunding campaign has been initiated to support the family of Ebony Duncan, a 44-year-old mother of three, who tragically went missing in September 2023 and was recently discovered deceased in a wooded area in South Kansas City. The GoFundMe aims to raise funds to cover funeral expenses for Duncan, whose untimely demise has left her loved ones devastated.

After an extensive search spanning nearly two months, law enforcement authorities located Duncan’s remains in a wooded spot near the intersection of 83rd Street and Hillcrest Road on October 31, 2023. Acting on a tip, detectives deployed cadaver dogs to aid in the search, ultimately leading them to the discovery of Duncan’s body.

In a heartfelt description accompanying the GoFundMe page, Duncan’s family fondly remembers her as a “ray of sunshine” with the ability to brighten any room she entered. The organizer emphasizes that Duncan possessed a rare gift of leaving people feeling refreshed and spiritually nourished after every encounter.

Known for her outspoken nature, Duncan’s children were her top priority, and she dedicated herself to being a loving and nurturing mother. The fundraiser was established to alleviate the financial burden of funeral costs that the family now faces. Tentatively, the services are scheduled to take place towards the end of January.

As of January 6, the GoFundMe campaign has successfully collected $140 of its $6,000 target.

Police Launch Investigation into the Circumstances Surrounding Duncan’s Tragic death

Since the early stages of the investigation, law enforcement officials have suspected foul play in Duncan’s disappearance. The alarm was raised when she failed to report to work on September 7, 2023.

During their inquiries, detectives interviewed one of Duncan’s colleagues, who revealed that her ex-boyfriend had sent threatening messages to her. This revelation heightened concerns and intensified suspicions surrounding her sudden vanishing.

A surveillance camera footage from September 6 showed Duncan stepping into a silver-colored sedan not far from her workplace situated within the 19200 block of East 37th Terrace. This last sighting became a crucial piece of evidence in piecing together the events leading up to her disappearance.

Based on their investigations, the authorities have focused their attention on Duncan’s ex-boyfriend, Charles Smith-Howell, aged 41. While no charges related to her disappearance have been filed against him, Smith-Howell currently faces a federal felony charge for illegal possession of ammunition.

Individuals with any information that could assist the ongoing investigation are urged to contact the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS.