KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Police Monday identified two homicide victims found inside a burning apartment building Saturday morning in Kansas City, Missouri.
Around 5 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 1, police and fire crews responded to a fire call in the 4100 block of Oak Street. While crews battled the blaze, they located two people deceased inside the apartment.
Police identified the victims Monday as Camila Behrensen, 24, and Pablo Guzmán Palma, 25.
Both individuals were predoctoral researchers with the Stowers Institute for Medical Research.
Behrensen, of Buenos Aires, received her Bachelors of Science in 2020 from the University Argentina de la Empresa and was a Si lab member. A release from the Stowers Institute says she had a goal of earning her postdoctoral degree and leading a research group, as well as her own lab. She was described by her classmates and faculty as a "brilliant young woman with a vibrant intellect who cared deeply for her work and her classmates."
Guzmán Palma was from Santiago, Chile, and attended Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, where he earned his Bachelors of Science and post-bachelors degrees in biochemistry. He had the goal of continuing research on cells during development and possibly starting lab of his own. Those who knew him at the Stowers Institute describe Guzmán Palma as a "gentle soul" and say he had a passion for biology, science, reading, watching movies and live music.
“We are devastated by the tragic deaths of two of our predoctoral researchers. These researchers were members of our 2020 class and vibrant members of our Stowers Institute community. Our deepest sympathies are with their families at this difficult time,” a statement from the Stowers Institute and Graduate School said.
Homicide and bomb and arson detectives were called to Saturday’s scene. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call 816-474-8477.
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For jurisdictions that utilize the Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers Tips Hotline, anonymous tips can be made by calling 816-474-TIPS (8477), submitting the tip online or through the free mobile app at P3Tips.com.
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.
