KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The investigation into the death of 41-year-old Amber Simpson has led to felony charges against four individuals in connection to the handling of her remains, which were discovered at a rural property approximately 90 miles from the city. While those charged face serious allegations, law enforcement has yet to identify anyone as the person responsible for her death.
Initially, investigators charged Damon Thomason, 54, the property owner, and Felix Watson, 30, for their involvement in the case. As the investigation progressed, two additional suspects were charged: Joseph Kitara, 34, from Independence, and Brianna Nicole Willis, 35, from Kansas City. Each individual faces charges of abandonment of a corpse and tampering with physical evidence, but none are explicitly linked to Simpson’s death at this time. Authorities are treating the investigation into her death as an open case.
The search for Simpson commenced when she was reported missing, although conflicting information has emerged regarding the timeline of her last known whereabouts. According to police, initial reports suggested Simpson was last seen on May 27, but discrepancies have surfaced, with some documents indicating she may have been seen as early as May 3. This ambiguity has left the timeline around her disappearance unclear.
The investigation took a significant turn on June 18 when Kansas City police, having received credible information, contacted the Saline County Sheriff’s Office about Simpson’s remains. Following this lead, investigators executed a search warrant on Thomason’s property. There, they discovered human bones alongside charred remains of tires and animals near a burn area, prompting a shift from a missing-person case to one focused on identifying the remains and uncovering the circumstances of her death.
As investigators collected evidence, they collaborated with forensic experts who determined that the condition of the bones suggested they had been subjected to prolonged burning. Notably, court records revealed that Thomason claimed he had witnessed what appeared to be a human bone at the burn site but denied involvement in the act. Watson’s statements also indicated that he had knowledge of activity at the property but claimed he was unaware that a body was involved.
Further developments emerged with the involvement of Kitara and Willis. Authorities received anonymous tips alleging that Willis killed Simpson, suggesting that interpersonal dynamics may be tied to the case as Simpson reportedly had a relationship with Willis’ business partner. These assertions remain unproven, and authorities have not pursued murder charges against any of the four suspects.
Cellphone records linked Kitara to the property on May 28, the date investigators believe Simpson’s body was taken there. Meanwhile, Kitara faced separate legal issues unrelated to Simpson’s case following a police chase in Missouri, but investigators have maintained focus on his connection to this inquiry.
The confirmation of Simpson’s identity was a key milestone for authorities. DNA testing performed by Kansas City police successfully matched the remains to Simpson later in July, prompting a continued investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. However, as of now, the official cause of death remains undisclosed.
Despite the progress in the case, unanswered questions linger. Authorities have yet to establish a clear narrative of the events leading to Simpson’s tragic end. Her family has remained vocal throughout the investigation, holding vigils and expressing their desire for justice. Witnessing their loss, friends and relatives have remembered Simpson not only as a victim but as a beloved member of their lives.
The ongoing legal proceedings against the four defendants reflect a broader investigation that extends beyond Saline County, raising questions about accountability and the pursuit of justice. As the case unfolds, the quest to piece together the truth about Amber Simpson’s death remains paramount, with family and community holding onto hope for a resolution.