Hutchinson Police Identify Remains of Missing Woman Found in January

HUTCHINSON, Kan. – The Hutchinson Police Department has identified human remains found in January as those of a woman who had been missing since July 2024.
Police identified the remains as 57-year-old Kimberly Dawn Barnes through dental record comparison. Barnes, who grew up in McPherson, had been reported missing in July 2024.

Officers discovered the remains Jan. 2 when they responded to a report of a deceased person in the 1600 block of East 1st Avenue. The Hutchinson Police Department had asked for public assistance in identifying the remains last month.

"After locating dental records for comparison, we have confirmed the deceased to be that of Ms. Barnes," Capt. Dayton Gates said Thursday.

Based on autopsy findings and available evidence, there is no indication of criminal activity, police said.

"We extend our heartfelt condolences to Ms. Barnes' family and friends during this difficult time, while hoping this confirmation provides them with some measure of closure," Capt. Gates said.

A GoFundMe has been set up by the family to help with cremation expenses.

The case had been under investigation since the remains were discovered, with police working to identify the deceased through various forensic methods before successfully using dental records for positive identification.