The body of 13-year-old Jayden Robker, who had been missing since February 2nd, has been found in a pond near Kansas City.
The police departments in Gladstone and Kansas City, Missouri, confirmed on Sunday that the body discovered on Friday was indeed that of the teenager.
The news of Jayden’s tragic death shocked and saddened the community.
To honor Jayden’s life, approximately 100 people gathered at the small pond where his body was found for a candlelight vigil.
The family organized the vigil, and attendees included classmates and members of the community who had never met the teen.
The gathering began with an acoustic guitar rendition of “Hallelujah,” followed by prayer. Family members lit biodegradable, lotus-shaped purple candles and set them afloat on the shallow pond.
Jayden’s aunt, Susan Deedon, thanked everyone for their support during this difficult time.
In the weeks leading up to the discovery of Jayden’s body, his aunt and uncle had been searching the surrounding areas and had come across three other ponds.
BREAKING: Groups of @FBI agents, multiple police forces and @USMarshalsHQ office on scene near Marx Dental office at Broadway and Englewood in Gladstone. Police tape surrounds area with traffic being redirected. @myCTnews and @gladstonemonews on scene to learn more. pic.twitter.com/u5LXVl9Cy7
— myCTAmanda (@myCTAmanda1) March 10, 2023
They expressed their gratitude to God for not knowing that Jayden was in the pond where he was eventually found.
The Kansas City police had been searching for Jayden since early February, after his mother reported him missing.
His disappearance had led to community search parties, including one led by the Ad Hoc Group Against Crime.
Jayden’s tragic death has left the community heartbroken, and many are mourning his loss.
His family and friends are grieving the loss of a young life, and the community is coming together to support them during this difficult time.
Autopsy Of Jayden Robker
Preliminary findings from the autopsy of the boy did not reveal any obvious signs of foul play. Gladstone police are currently investigating his death.
During a gathering on Wednesday, Jayden’s aunt, Susan Deedon, revealed that she had found a shoe near the shoreline of the pond where her nephew’s body was discovered.
She and her family promptly informed the police and expressed their confidence in the investigators to find answers to the questions surrounding Jayden’s disappearance.
Deedon emotionally addressed the gathering, stating that many people had told her that the shoe was a sign from Jayden, acknowledging her efforts to find him and honor his memory.
Despite the tragedy of his death, his family and friends will continue to cherish his memory and the impact he had on their lives.