Missing woman found dead in Shawnee. Man charged with murder

MeShon Cooper, who had been missing for a week after last being seen in Johnson County, was found dead Saturday in a home in Shawnee, and police charged a man with second-degree murder in her death.

Cooper, 43, was found dead in the 11400 block of 69th Street in Shawnee on Saturday after a joint investigation by police departments in Kansas City, Lenexa and Shawnee.

Police arrested 47-year-old Ronald Lee Kidwell of Shawnee shortly after midnight on Saturday, Johnson County jail records show. Kidwell has been charged with second-degree murder in Cooper’s death. Kidwell’s bond has been set at $1 million.

According to Kansas City police, Cooper was last seen July 6 in Johnson County. Her vehicle was found near 7th and Myrtle streets in Kansas City on July 7.

In posts online, her family said Cooper’s keys were found in the vehicle.

Cooper had one child, a 25-year-old son, and had been living in Shawnee, according to a friend who has known Cooper for decades.

Charging documents from the Johnson County District Attorney accuse Kidwell of killing Cooper some time between July 6 and July 13.

The Shawnee Police Department said an investigation is ongoing, but they believe Cooper’s death was an isolated incident and that no other suspects are being sought at this time.

This story was originally published July 14, 2018 at 12:15 PM.