Detectives in Wichita, Kansas, have launched a homicide investigation following the discovery of the body of 67-year-old Lorretta Moody in a suitcase, which was brought to a local fire station. The shocking incident has drawn significant media attention and left Moody’s family in anguish as they grapple with the circumstances surrounding her death.
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On Wednesday, September 16, two unidentified individuals arrived at Fire Station 22 in south Wichita, claiming to have found a body inside a suitcase. In response to the urgent request made by fire department personnel, police were dispatched to the scene. Upon opening the suitcase, officers confirmed the presence of human remains, later identified as those of Lorretta Moody.


Emergency responders pronounced her dead at the location, and her body has since been sent to the Sedgwick County Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy. This examination is crucial in establishing the cause of her death, which remains unknown at this time. Authorities have confirmed that Moody had been reported missing prior to this grim discovery, which adds to the concerns surrounding her case.
The police have questioned the two individuals who brought the suitcase to the fire station. Investigators are determined to ascertain if these individuals had any association with Moody, as details about her final hours remain scarce. Wichita Police Department has classified the case as a homicide and is diligently working to uncover the events leading to her body being left at the fire station.
Authorities have yet to make any arrests related to the case. In an official statement, they reiterated their commitment to uncovering the truth behind Moody’s tragic fate. “Based on the circumstances known to investigators, WPD is conducting this as a homicide investigation,” they commented, emphasising their dedication to resolving the matter.
Moody’s family members have expressed their profound grief and disbelief at the manner of her death. Alexis Trotter, one of her grandchildren, described the situation as “evil,” highlighting the emotional toll it has taken on the family. Another grandchild, Lexi Shafer, remarked that Moody was “not just a woman in a suitcase,” underscoring the deep sense of loss felt by her loved ones.
Compounding the family’s distress are strange phone calls received shortly after Moody’s body was discovered. Shafer reported that she received an unusual call from a man using her grandmother’s boyfriend’s phone. The following morning, before Moody’s identity had been officially confirmed, the man allegedly sent texts that hinted at her death, creating confusion and additional heartache for the family.
Remembered fondly for her love of family and her characteristic tumbler of Cherry Pepsi, Moody was set to celebrate her 68th birthday on September 27. Family and friends have begun a GoFundMe campaign to assist with funeral expenses, reflecting the community’s support during this tragic time.
As the investigation continues, police are urging anyone with information regarding Lorretta Moody’s death to come forward. Those with details are encouraged to contact the Wichita Police Department’s homicide investigators at 316-268-4407. The case remains open, with hopes that further inquiries will shed light on this unsettling incident and bring justice to Moody’s family.
