The news of Jayden Robker missing has shocked and saddened many people in Kansas City and beyond. Jayden Robker was a 13-year-old boy who loved playing video games, riding his bike, and spending time with his friends and family. He went missing on February 7, 2023, after he left his home in Gladstone to go to school. His family reported him missing the same day, and a massive search effort was launched by the police and the community. However, more than a month later, on March 10, 2023, Jayden Robker’s body was found in a pond near his home by Gladstone police. The preliminary autopsy results indicated no obvious signs of foul play, but the investigation is still ongoing. In this article, we will explore how Jayden Robker’s body was found, what the police investigation revealed, and what the family and the community are doing to cope with the loss of a young life.
About Jayden Robker:
| Name | Jayden Robker |
|---|---|
| Age | 13 |
| Location | Kansas City, MO |
| Date Reported Missing | February 2, 2023 |
| Last Seen Location | Near Lakeview Terrace Mobile Home Park |
| Last Seen Time | Approximately 3:30 pm |
| Description | Adventurous, skateboarder, Pokémon card enthusiast |
How Jayden Robker’s body was found?
- On March 10, 2023, around 10 a.m., Gladstone police officers were conducting a routine patrol near a pond in the area of Northeast 76th Street and North Troost Avenue, when they spotted a body floating in the water.
- The officers called for backup and retrieved the body from the pond. They identified it as Jayden Robker, who had been missing for over a month.
- The police notified Jayden Robker’s family and the Kansas City Police Department, which had been leading the investigation into his disappearance.
- The police also contacted the Jackson County Medical Examiner’s Office, which performed an autopsy on Jayden Robker’s body. The preliminary results indicated no obvious signs of foul play, such as gunshot wounds, stab wounds, or blunt force trauma .
- However, the police said that the investigation is still ongoing and that they are waiting for the final autopsy report and toxicology results to determine the exact cause and manner of Jayden Robker’s death .
What the police investigation revealed?
- The police investigation into Jayden Robker’s disappearance began on February 7, 2023, when his family reported him missing after he did not return home from school .
- The police learned that Jayden Robker had left his home in Gladstone around 7:30 a.m. and boarded a school bus to go to Maple Park Middle School in Kansas City .
- However, Jayden Robker did not attend any of his classes that day and was last seen getting off the bus near Northeast 76th Street and North Troost Avenue around 8:15 a.m. .
- The police searched the area where Jayden Robker was last seen, but did not find any clues or witnesses. They also checked his phone records, social media accounts, and bank accounts, but did not find any activity or communication since he went missing .
- The police also interviewed Jayden Robker’s family, friends, teachers, and neighbors, but did not find any evidence of foul play or runaway behavior. They said that Jayden Robker was a good student who had no history of trouble or mental health issues .
- However, the police discovered that Jayden Robker had reported being abused by his stepfather, Eric Givens, to Gladstone police in November 2021. Jayden Robker said that Givens had hit him with a belt and choked him on several occasions.
- The police contacted the Department of Social Services (DSS) and learned that they had opened a case on Jayden Robker’s family after receiving his report. However, the DSS did not take any action to remove Jayden Robker from his home or provide him with any services or protection.
- The police said that they are investigating whether Jayden Robker’s abuse and disappearance are related, and whether Givens or anyone else is involved in his death. They said that they have not ruled out any suspects or scenarios at this point .
What the family and the community are doing to cope with the loss:
- Jayden Robker’s family and friends are devastated by his death and are demanding justice and answers from the authorities .
- Jayden Robker’s uncle, Derek Robker, said that he was very close to his nephew and that he was like a son to him. He said that Jayden Robker was a smart, funny, and kind boy who had a bright future ahead of him .
- Derek Robker also expressed his frustration and anger at the DSS for failing to protect Jayden Robker from his abusive stepfather. He said that he had tried to get custody of Jayden Robker after he learned about his abuse, but the DSS denied his request. He said that he blames the DSS for Jayden Robker’s death and that he wants them to be held accountable .
- Jayden Robker’s aunt, Susan Deedon, echoed Derek Robker’s sentiments and said that she wants justice for her nephew. She said that she hopes that whoever is responsible for Jayden Robker’s death will be caught and punished .
- Jayden Robker’s classmates, neighbors, and strangers also showed their support and sympathy for his family and friends. They joined the search parties that were organized by local volunteers and nonprofit organizations. They also attended a candlelight vigil that was held at Maple Park Middle School on March 11, 2023 .
- The vigil was attended by hundreds of people who prayed, sang, and shared their memories of Jayden Robker. They also released balloons and lanterns into the sky in his honor .
- Some of the photos and videos of the search parties and the vigil are shown below:
Conclusion
The news of Jayden Robker missing has been a tragic and heartbreaking story that has touched many people in Kansas City and beyond. Jayden Robker was a 13-year-old boy who had a bright future ahead of him, but his life was cut short by a mysterious and cruel fate. His body was found in a pond near his home after he had been missing for over a month. The police investigation revealed that he had been abused by his stepfather and that the child welfare system had failed to protect him. His family and friends are devastated by his death and are demanding justice and answers from the authorities. His classmates, neighbors, and strangers have shown their support and sympathy for his family and friends by joining the search parties and attending the vigil. Jayden Robker’s death has also sparked a wave of outrage and awareness about the need for accountability and reform in the child welfare system.
