Police Find Missing Kansas Teen's Body, Suspect Arrested

Police found Smith's body in a wooded area near Grandview, Mo., about 20 miles east of the Target store.

(OVERLAND PARK, KS) - A suspect was arrested Wednesday evening in the slaying of a teenage Kansas girl believed abducted from the parking lot of an Overland Park Target store.

Edwin R. Hall, 26, is expected to be charged this morning with premeditated first-degree murder and aggravated kidnapping, Overland Park Police Chief John Douglass said.

Kelsey Smith, 18, had been missing since Saturday night, when she went to a Target store to buy a gift for her boyfriend.

Surveillance video showed her being forced into her car, and the car drove off. It was found in a nearby mall parking lot about two hours later.

Douglass said Hall was picked up and questioned after police received a tip. He said he had no information why Smith was targeted, or if Hall was believed to have acted alone.

Police said Hall's vehicle matched the description of a dark mid-1970s Chevrolet pickup that was seen entering the Target parking lot shortly after Smith's car.

Police found Smith's body in a wooded area near Grandview, Mo., about 20 miles east of the Target store. Authorities did not say how she died.

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nicole July 16, 2007 6:26 pm (Pacific time)

This is such a sad story! My heart goes out to Kelsey's family. I hope she's in a happier, better place.

Georgiagal June 9, 2007 6:23 pm (Pacific time)

I'm from Olathe, KS, and sorry to hear this tragic news. May God comfort her family and justice be served to the monster that did this.

David - Colorado Springs June 8, 2007 7:06 am (Pacific time)

I am so sorry. My condolences to Mom and Dad. I can't imagine such a loss. You are in my prayers.

Pat Costello June 8, 2007 7:03 am (Pacific time)

I'm from the county that this happened in and pretty close to her boyfriend. I don't think you guys can believe how upset the entire county is with this guy. If he does get out on a technicality, I honestly think this county will kill him, as soon as he walks out, a bullet will be in his skull. So for his sake, I hope he stays in prison for a while. But even more shocking, I believe is that the parents have been asked several times "Are you angry; do you want to hurt this guy?" and they have just replied no. Naturally they're upset, but they felt it would desecrate Kelsey's memory to go for the blood of this guy. Amazing. Thanks for reading this.

RJ June 7, 2007 8:43 pm (Pacific time)

Hey Salem....Ariana was just making a comment in regards to Kelsey's untimely and senseless death. Now that Kelsey is no longer frighten and in pain from this senseless violent act done to her...She is in a better place! Kelsey is free from pain and safe in a place that will provide her comfort and peace. SHAME on you Salem for being rude and heartless...There was NO NEED to lambast Ariana for her thoughts and personal beliefs.

SNS June 7, 2007 7:09 pm (Pacific time)

I hope this is the person that did this and if it is then he get locked up for life...I will never understand how anyone can do this to someone and their family..May her soul rest in peace my heart goes out to her family and friends...

Salem June 7, 2007 6:07 pm (Pacific time)

Good that she's in a better place?! She's been murdered and her family is devastated. Who are YOU to determine if her being dead constitutes that she is in a better place? Here is an idea. Why don't you mention that to her parents and friends/family? I'm sure they would rather have her there to hug and kiss hello and goodbye than "in a better place...safe and sound..."

Ariana June 7, 2007 8:11 am (Pacific time)

It's good that she's in a better place. Safe and Sound watching over her famiyly and friends. God Bless her and Her Family

Nancy June 7, 2007 5:26 am (Pacific time)

My heart and soul go out to the parents and family of this young woman.

Angry Bob June 7, 2007 5:24 am (Pacific time)

May the culprit(s) of this senseless act burn in hell for all eternity.

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