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Police are still searching for a person of interest in the murder investigation of a Missouri State University freshman.

Eric Phillips II was identified as a person of interest by the Independence Police Department for the murder of 18-year-old Elayjah Murray.

Murray was visiting home from college over the Thanksgiving break.

She went out with friends Thanksgiving night and never returned home.

Police confirmed Murray was shot and killed. They found her remains in South Kansas City on Nov. 29.

KSHB 41 In-Depth reporter Alyssa Jackson confirmed through an open records request that Phillips was an assistant wrestling coach at Raytown South High School.

He was hired in November 2023 and resigned from the position on April 17, 2025.

For nearly two week

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