Medical researchers discovered slain in Kansas City house fire: cops
Two medical researchers from South America were discovered slain inside a Kansas City apartment that was set ablaze over the weekend, authorities said.
The bodies of Camila Behrensen, 24, of Buenos Aires, and Pablo Guzmán Palma, 25, of Santiago, Chile, were found Saturday morning in the charred remains of a midtown apartment, the Kansas City Star reported.
Kansas City police Capt. Leslie Forman told The Post Tuesday that law enforcement joined firefighters on the scene shortly before 5 a.m.
“After entering the apartment to extinguish the fire, KCFD located two victims inside suffering from apparent trauma,” the statement read.
Police said the researchers, who were declared dead at the scene, were victims of a homicide.
Both Behrensen and Guzmán were part of the 2020 predoctoral research class at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research.
“We are devastated by the tragic deaths of two of our predoctoral researchers,” the institute said in a statement shared with The Post.
“Our deepest sympathies are with their families at this difficult time.”
Behrensen graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology from the University Argentina de la Empresa in 2020. She was interested in cell research, and hoped to eventually start her own lab.
Described by colleagues and faculty as “a brilliant young woman with a vibrant intellect,” Behrensen was also an avid runner.
Guzmán Palma previously studied biochemistry at Pontifical Catholic University of Chile. His first research project dealt with spinal regeneration.
“Mr. Guzmán Palma’s classmates and faculty at the Institute describe him as a gentle soul with a true passion for science and biology,” the statement said.
“He enjoyed reading, watching movies, and had a love for live music.”
According to the KCPD, an investigation involving homicide, arson and bomb detectives is ongoing.
A $25,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest.
