Police find body in search for missing Wichita woman, suspect arrested for murder
Police have found a body in their search for a missing Wichita woman and say a suspect has been arrested on suspicion of first-degree premeditated murder.
Mariana Christian, 31, was last seen on July 19 around Harry and Rock Road, according to a Facebook post from the Wichita Police Department on Sunday asking for the public’s help locating her.
Tuesday evening, agency spokesman Andrew Ford said in an email to local news organizations that authorities have recovered a body. A Facebook post says police were “conducting an ongoing investigation in the area of Lincoln and Armour” on Tuesday evening and that there “is no threat to the community.”
The body was discovered in Cottonwood Park around 5:11 p.m., Officer Kris Gupilan told media at the scene. The suspect arrested in connection with the case has been booked into the Sedgwick County Jail, he said.
“As the investigation has progressed, at this time we believe that we have located the body of missing person case, Mariana Christian,” Ford wrote in his email.
“We cannot officially confirm the individual’s identity at this time. The Medical Examiner’s Office will make an official identification,” he wrote.
“The investigation remains active and ongoing. Further information will be released as it becomes available.”
Police records show Christian was reported missing on July 21 after she didn’t show up for work.
No other details were immediately released Tuesday.
This story was originally published July 29, 2025 at 7:26 PM.
