Wichita police release more information on death of Mariana Christian

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) - Aug. 1 update: Police said the suspect, Kyle Bearden, is believed to have shot Christian.

Police said a missing persons report was filed by a friend on Christian’s behalf on July 21. The friend said Christian relied upon them for transportation to work because of what was described as a history of mental health issues.

That morning, Christian was not at her apartment in the 1200 block of S. Paige when the friend arrived to pick her up.

The friend instead encountered a man unidentified to the friend, Bearden, who became the suspect in Christian’s death. Bearden claimed Christian had left the apartment on July 18 in a truck with a man and a woman and had not returned.

Bearden was believed to be living in the apartment, even though he wasn’t listed on the lease.

After multiple failed attempts to reach Christian, her friend called police. Officer issued an attempt-to-locate alert, and investigators took over the case.

WPD investigators identified Bearden as a person of interest and followed leads to locate Christian, discovering evidence of her death where her remains were ultimately found in Cottonwood Park.

Wichita police said the body of a woman who was reported missing last week was found late Tuesday afternoon in Cottonwood Park, near Bayley and Armour.

The discovery was made around 5:11 p.m.

While police said they believe the body is that of Mariana Christian, the Medical Examiner’s Office will make the positive identification.

12 News spoke to Christian’s family, who confirmed that they had spoken with police.

A suspect was also arrested and taken into custody for premeditated first-degree murder. Booking sheets from the Sedgwick County Jail identified him as 31-year-old Kyle Bearden.

Bearden was arrested on a charge of first-degree murder.

Police said the investigation is ongoing. Several law enforcement officers, including the current recruit class and drone operators, were called out to assist with the investigation.

A GoFundMe has been established by the victim’s family.