Homicide investigation underway on East Walnut Street in Independence

Police were investigating a homicide at a home in the 700 block of East Walnut Street in Independence.

Authorities announced the investigation about 8:20 p.m.

A distraught family friend said the victim was a woman in her 50s who sometimes used a wheelchair to get around.

The friend, who didn’t want to be identified, said the victim kept her doors secure. She expressed a sense of nervousness about the situation, although police officials said there was no immediate threat to the community.

“I feel like it’s somebody that I know did this, but I’m just not sure who,” the woman said.

The woman’s daughter said the victim’s brother died at the same home more than a month ago, although police couldn’t confirm the man’s death Tuesday night.

Both women said the victim was caring and thoughtful.

“She didn’t deserve this,” said the younger woman, who also didn’t want to be identified.

Additional information will be released when it becomes available, Independence officials said.

This story was originally published May 16, 2017 at 9:08 PM with the headline "Homicide investigation underway on East Walnut Street in Independence."