Great Bend teen arrested for 14-year-old girl's murder

Police found the victim's body a day after she was reported missing.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:22pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a broken piece of jewelry or torn fabric, dramatically lit by a harsh camera flash against a black background, conveying the somber and investigative nature of this crime scene.The grim discovery of a young victim's belongings exposes the tragic realities of youth violence in this small Kansas community.Great Bend Today

A 14-year-old girl from Great Bend, Kansas was found dead on Thursday, a day after she was reported missing. Police have arrested a 14-year-old boy and charged him with first-degree murder in connection with her death.

Why it matters

This tragic incident has shaken the Great Bend community, raising concerns about youth violence and the safety of young people in the area. The arrest of a teenage suspect also highlights the complex challenges facing the juvenile justice system.

The details

According to the Great Bend Police Department, officers responded to a report of a missing girl on Wednesday evening. The 14-year-old victim, Rubi Perez, was last seen attending a class at Holy Family School. Despite searching throughout the night, police were unable to locate her. The following morning, officers were called to the 4700 block of 17th Street Terrace, where Rubi's body was found behind a large dirt pile. A 14-year-old boy has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with Rubi's death.

  • Rubi Perez was reported missing on Wednesday evening.
  • On Thursday around 9:10 a.m., officers found Rubi's body.

The players

Rubi Perez

A 14-year-old girl from Great Bend, Kansas who was found dead after being reported missing.

14-year-old boy

A teenage suspect who has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with Rubi Perez's death.

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What’s next

The suspect will appear in juvenile court, where a judge will decide whether to try him as an adult.

The takeaway

This tragic incident has shaken the Great Bend community and raised concerns about youth violence and the safety of young people in the area. The arrest of a teenage suspect also highlights the complex challenges facing the juvenile justice system.