UPDATE, Sept 12 | Police on Thursday identified the victim as 16-year-old Robert "Robby" Duren.
ORIGINAL REPORT | A male was discovered dead inside a home in the 5700 block of Bales after a fire late Friday night.
Fire crews were called to the scene just before 11:30 p.m.
Firefighters noted smoke and fire showing from the home upon arrival.
While the fire was quickly brought under control, firefighters found the body of a male inside during a search of the residence.
The Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department's bomb and arson crew began an investigation.
Investigators said preliminary findings deemed the death suspicious in nature.
After further review by the medical examiner's office, the manner of death was determined to be a homicide.
Homicide detectives have taken over the investigation.
Police said the circumstances leading to the fire and death are under investigation. The cause of death is not available at this time.
Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at 816-234-5043.
Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling 816-474-8477.
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If you have any information about a crime, you may contact your local police department directly. But if you want or need to remain anonymous, you should contact the Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers Tips Hotline by calling 816-474-TIPS (8477), submitting the tip online or through the free mobile app at P3Tips.com. Depending on your tip, Crime Stoppers could offer you a cash reward.
Annual homicide details and data for the Kansas City area are available through the KSHB 41 News Homicide Tracker, which was launched in 2015. Read the KSHB 41 News Mug Shot Policy.
