Investigators are saying they can't rule out the possibility that the kidnapping and murder of 18-year old Kelsey Smith is related to the disappearance of a Missouri girl.

17-year old Kara Kopetsky was last seen May 4th. Her home in Belton, Missouri is about six miles from the park where Kelsey's body was found Wednesday.

Kelsey was abducted from an Overland Park Target store parking lot last Saturday. Authorities said Friday that she died from being strangled.

26-year old Edwin Hall is charged with first degree murder. Court records uncovered Friday show Hall was removed from his adoptive home in Emporia 11 years ago for threatening his sister at knifepoint.

Still, Hall has a wife and four-year old son, and one woman who knew him says she's surprised at the charges he's facing.

"I honestly have to say that he was just peaceful," said the woman, who didn't want to be identified. "He didn't cause any drama. There was nothing that would make me think he could do anything like this."

Hall is being held on $5 million bond. Since Kelsey was found across state lines, federal prosecutors could get involved in the case.

Kara Kopetsky's family is maintaining a web site devoted to the search for her. It's www.findkarakopetsky.com. The site lists rallies for this weekend to support her family.