Independence police said the Criminal Investigations Unit is now investigating a death as a homicide.
Officers said they found the body of 63-year-old Louise Dickey around 7:30 p.m. Tuesday on the 10400 block of E. 27th Street.
Independence police said Wednesday morning they are investigating the case as a homicide.
The neighborhood where it occurred is described by neighbors as being quiet and safe. The police activity following the crime was a rare sight in the area.
"It's a quaint and charming little mom-and-pop neighborhood," explained Jacqueline Simmons, a mother of two. "There are a lot of retired people that live around here and a few young families."
At least a dozen neighbors on the street 41 Action News spoke with had no knowledge of Dickey.
"She never came outside for nothing," said David McKiddie, who lives a few doors down from the crime scene.
Some neighbors said they didn't know anyone lived at the house.
"We thought the home was abandoned because you just don't see anybody in there," explained Debbie Martin, who can see the victim's home from her backyard.
Police said detectives are actively pursuing leads.
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Tom Dempsey can be reached at tom.dempsey@kshb.com.
