Karen Harmeyer, 64, was found dead inside a tent in a wooded area of Grandview, Missouri, in July 2017. She had been living a transient lifestyle in a makeshift camp behind a church near Blue Ridge Boulevard and Grandview Avenue. Responding officers initially observed no obvious signs of trauma, and because she had no close family her remains went unclaimed at the county morgue for several months.

Investigators later reclassified her death as a homicide after linking it to a broader pattern of targeted attacks in the region. Evidence gathered by police suggested she had been shot, making her the only female among six victims connected to the spree. Authorities identified Fredrick Demond Scott as the suspect and charged him in August 2017 with six counts of first-degree murder and related armed criminal action, including charges tied to Harmeyer’s death.

The case has seen repeated delays over the suspect’s mental health; judges have ordered multiple competency evaluations and rulings have alternated about his fitness for trial. The victim’s family continues to await court proceedings. If anyone knew Karen or has information about her camp or movements in Grandview, please share what can help the investigation.