Body believed to be Kansas City highway shooting suspect found in burned home’s basement by family: police

Police told Fox News on Wednesday that a body believed to be Oscar Sanchez-Munoz, the 22-year-old suspect in a deadly string of highway shootings near the Kansas City World Cup venues, was discovered by his family in the basement of a burned home.

Officials said the family contacted police at about 2 p.m. local time after finding decomposing remains hidden beneath piles of debris. 

While the family had visited the home several times since it caught fire during an overnight police standoff, police said they only discovered the body after removing debris and noticing a distinct odor.

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Previously, investigators, federal partners and K-9 units had repeatedly searched the Independence, Missouri, property without success. 

Authorities said the basement partially collapsed, flooded with water, and was filled with a large amount of “clutter,” which complicated the search.

The discovery brings a presumed end to a massive multi-agency manhunt that began after Sanchez-Munoz allegedly fired at vehicles along Interstate 70, just miles from Arrowhead Stadium where FIFA World Cup matches were being held.

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The spree of half dozen shootings left one person dead and several others seriously injured, including an Uber driver who was shot while transporting soccer fans. 

During the search for Sanchez-Munoz, the FBI offered a $25,000 reward for information leading to his capture, warning the public that he was “armed and dangerous.”

Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche had publicly speculated that the suspect might be dead inside the Missouri home, though police were unable to confirm it at the time.

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Officials said investigators are currently operating under the assumption that the deceased person is Sanchez-Munoz, noting clothing on the body matched what the shooter wore during last week’s attacks.

A medical examiner will confirm the identity and determine the cause of death.

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Officials assured the public there is no threat to the community, and added that all surviving victims are expected to recover.

Fox News Digital’s Kelsie Cairns contributed to this report.