Mon Jun 02 13:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Missing Person Report Filed for Jackson County Legislator and Son, Despite Abarca’s Assurances of Safety

**KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) -** A missing person report has been filed for Jackson County legislator Manny Abarca and his two-year-old son, Luca, by the Shawnee Police Department with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI). The report surfaced after Abarca’s wife, Alexis, posted on Facebook claiming her husband and son were missing. She last saw Luca on Wednesday, May 28th, and Abarca on Thursday, May 29th, at Abarca’s father’s house in Shawnee. She alleges an “incident” occurred, prompting police involvement.

Despite the official missing person report, Abarca responded to KCTV5’s inquiry via email with a written statement: “It has come to my attention that a ‘missing persons’ report has been filed erroneously concerning my son and me. Please rest assured we are not missing and we are both safe and healthy.”

The Shawnee Police Department confirmed the active investigation. “We have been in contact with individuals connected to the case and have received some information regarding the circumstances,” a spokesperson stated. They confirmed having spoken with Abarca by phone but have not been able to independently verify the well-being of Abarca and his son in person. “While there is no immediate indication of danger, the investigation remains open out of an abundance of caution until we can independently verify their safety and well-being,” the spokesperson added.

KCTV5 is awaiting a response from Shawnee Police regarding the alleged incident on May 29th.

Alexis told KCTV5 she has spoken with police multiple times, including Kansas City, Mo. authorities. While KCPD stated they haven’t filed a report in the city, they are investigating the incident. Alexis expressed urgent concern for her son, stating he requires medication she currently possesses, pleading for his safe return in her Facebook post. “I am asking for help as a mother that is desperate to get her son back.”

The KBI clarified its role as managing the missing persons clearinghouse but not actively investigating most cases, deferring to the Shawnee Police Department.

KCTV5 has reached out to Manny Abarca’s office at the Jackson County Legislature for further information.

This is a developing story. KCTV5 will continue to provide updates as they become available.

Read More