Missing girl found dead in Great Bend, 14-year-old suspect arrested

GREAT BEND, Kan. (KWCH) - A 14-year-old boy was arrested on a first-degree murder charge after a missing 14-year-old girl was found dead behind a dirt pile in Great Bend.

Great Bend police said officers responded to a missing person call at around 8:36 p.m. on Wednesday. The girl was last reported attending a class at Holy Family School at 4200 Broadway Avenue.

Officers fielded multiple calls about potential locations where the girl could be located, but she was not found.

At 9:10 a.m. on Thursday, officers responded to the 4700 block of 17th Street Terrace in reference to a juvenile female located behind a large dirt pile. The girl was determined to be deceased and has been positively identified.

The girl was identified as 14-year-old Rubi Paulina Perez from Great Bend.

Investigators and officers processed the crime scene, conducted numerous interviews and executed multiple search warrants. A 14-year-old boy was arrested and transported to the Barton County Detention Center on charges of first-degree murder.

The Great Bend Police Department was assisted by the Barton County Sheriff’s Office, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Great Bend Fire Department.

In a post on social media, the Center of Counseling & Consultation said members of its Crisis Teams would be at the Great Bend Middle School on Friday to provide support for students who may need help processing this loss.

“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of a young life in our community today. Our thoughts are with the family, friends, classmates, and all who are impacted by this devastating news.”

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Great Bend Police Department at 620-793-4120 or Crimestoppers at 620-792-1300 or online at p3tips.com .

A fundraiser has been set up to assist Perez’s family during this time.