Tips sought in murder of woman found beaten, wrapped in blanket 7 years ago

The family of a 22-year-old woman whose badly beaten body was found wrapped in a blanket in Independence seven years ago are still waiting for the tip that would solve her murder.

Lakota Rae Renville’s body was found Oct. 16, 2005, in a known illegal dump on a gravel lot in the 9200 block of Pitcher Road. Renville had been beaten and stabbed. Her body had been wrapped in a Southwestern-style blanket.

Early in the investigation, police thought she may have been picked up by her killer near Independence and Myrtle avenues.

A witness had reported seeing a brown, early 1990s model Ford Explorer with Missouri license plates in the area where the body was found.

The family of Renville, who was Native American, in 2006 had a tribal blessing ceremony at the site where her body was found.

Renville’s family continues to hope that the person responsible for her death is caught.

Anyone with information is asked to call the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS (474-8477). Tips may also be submitted electronically at KCcrimestoppers.com or by texting TIP452 and information to 274637 (CRIMES).

Information leading to an arrest in the case could be eligible for a reward up to $1,000.

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