Lenexa Police Department

Nearly 40 years ago, Joyce Welch disappeared after leaving a bar in Old Town Lenexa on the night of July 4, 1986.

Joyce, 39, was last seen at approximately 10:30 p.m. walking east from the area of Santa Fe Trail Drive and Pflumm Road. Early the next morning, her purse was found a few blocks away. In 1988, her remains were discovered in a Miami County field. Her death is being investigated as a homicide.

Today, we are asking for your help. Time changes circumstances, relationships, and perspectives. Someone may know something that could help investigators finally solve this case.

If you have any information about Joyce Welch's disappearance or death, please contact the Lenexa Police Department at 913-825-8169. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477).

Learn more about this case at Lenexa.com/ColdCases

Please share this post. Even the smallest detail could make a difference.

Today, we honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice and dedication will never be forgotten.

From all of us at the Lenexa Police Department, we wish everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day.

⚽️ Excited for the World Cup? Scammers are too.

As demand for tickets increases, so do online scams targeting fans looking for seats to matches and events. Before you buy, keep these tips in mind:

🎟️ Only purchase tickets from official or trusted sources
🚩 Be cautious of “too good to be true” deals or urgent pressure to buy quickly
💳 Avoid paying with gift cards, wire transfers, Venmo, Cash App, or cryptocurrency when buying from individuals
🔍 Research sellers and verify ticket details before sending money
📱 Watch for fake websites and social media accounts posing as legitimate ticket vendors

Scammers often use stolen photos, fake confirmation emails, and cloned websites to appear legitimate. Once the money is sent, the “seller” disappears and the tickets never arrive.

Help us spread the word so everyone can enjoy the excitement safely this summer.

On this National Peace Officers Memorial Day, we pause to remember the brave officers who gave their lives while protecting others. Their sacrifice and dedication to service will never be forgotten.

UPDATE 5/14/26 - Thanks to a tipster, this person has been identified and charged in this case!
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We are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying this individual in connection with multiple retail theft investigations in Lenexa.

If you recognize this person, please contact our detective at 913-825-8097.

Thank you for helping us combat crime in Lenexa.

🩸 Give the gift of life right here in Lenexa 🩸

The Community Blood Center will be hosting a blood drive at the Lenexa Justice Center on April 30 from 8:00 AM to Noon.

Just one donation can help save multiple lives, and there is always a critical need for blood in our community.

Whether you're a first-time donor or a regular, consider stopping by and making a difference. The process is quick, safe, and incredibly impactful.

📍Lenexa Justice Center, 17371 Prairie Star Parkway
🗓 April 30
⏰ 8:00 AM – Noon

Schedule your appointment today https://donate.savealifenow.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/87738

This Saturday, 4/25, is National Rx Takeback Day. You can safely dispose of those old, unused, or expired prescription medications that are cluttering up your medicine cabinet.

We will have a drive-thru lane set up in the front parking lot of the Lenexa Justice Center for your convenience. We can accept pills, patches, and medical sharps such as needles. Don't let these medications fall into the wrong hands or potentially be abused by others.

➡17371 Prairie Star Parkway
🕰10AM - 2PM

Stay weather aware this afternoon!

Severe weather continues to be expected this afternoon and evening. All severe hazards (large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes) will be possible. However, large hail will be the primary threat during initial stages of storm development, with damaging winds becoming more likely as storms congeal into lines or clusters. Isolated tornadoes are also possible, especially if storms remain discrete. Stay weather aware today!

UPDATE 4/15 - The Youth Police Academy is now full and we are no longer taking registrations.

We have just a few openings left for our summer Youth Police Academy. Teens will learn about the law enforcement profession while having fun in this free, popular program!
🔵June 1-5
🔵Ages 13-17
🔵Registration required

➡Lenexa.com/YPA