Police said a criminal investigation into the death of Ryan Weeks is ongoing “due to circumstances surrounding the discovery" of his remains
Credit: Smithville Police Department
NEED TO KNOW
- Human remains found in Smithville, Mo., were identified as belonging to Ryan Weeks, who disappeared in February 2022
- Weeks’ family said the case’s reopening brought hope, but described the experience as emotionally difficult
- A criminal investigation is ongoing due to the circumstances surrounding the discovery of his remains
Human remains recently found in Missouri have been identified as belonging to a man who disappeared in 2022.
The skeletal remains were found within the City of Smithville after investigators reopened Ryan Weeks’ missing persons case in August 2025 and developed new leads, according to a news release shared by the Smithville Police Department (SPD).
The remains were then sent to a forensic examiner and a team of anthropologists and were eventually identified as Weeks, who was reported missing in February 2022.
In a statement shared by police, his family said that since the day he disappeared, they “searched tirelessly for answers, holding onto hope even as it became increasingly difficult to do so.
"In August 2025, we were notified that his case had been reopened. While this brought a renewed sense of possibility, we remained cautious, having endured years of uncertainty," his family continued. "At one point, we were informed that human remains had been discovered, though their identity was not yet confirmed. Once again, we found ourselves waiting."
“Recently, we received the confirmation we had both hoped for and feared,” family continued. “Tragically, he is no longer with us.”
His loved ones went on to say that they "take some measure of comfort in believing he is now at peace and watching over us."
Investigators said a friend reported seeing Weeks at a gas station near Missouri Highway 152 and North Brighton Avenue around 7 p.m. local time on Feb. 28, according to CBS affiliate KCTV. The friend said Weeks was known to play pool at a nearby business.
Police said Weeks did not have a phone or a car when he was last seen and that he hadn't picked up his last paycheck from his job.
In August 2025, authorities said they searched a pond in Northland after receiving a tip regarding Weeks’ disappearance, according to Fox affiliate WDAF-TV and NBC affiliate KSHB.
In their latest statement, police did not specify where his remains were found, only that it was within Smithville.
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A criminal investigation into his death is ongoing “due to circumstances surrounding the discovery and condition” of his remains.
Anyone with information regarding the case is asked to contact Detective Knowles at 816-532-0500 and reference case number 12200196.
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