07/08/2022
Case Number: KPD-2016-06924
Released by: Lieutenant Richard Benzinger
Date of Release: August 5, 2022
Public Information Officer: Major Brian Seldon @ (765) 456-7284 or Captain Scott Purtee @ (765) 456-7322
Crime or Subject Released: Missing Person/Murder Investigation
Location: 1000 block of South Washington
Date/Time of Incident: October 11, 2016
On October 13, 2016, the Kokomo Police Department initiated a missing person case. The family of 18-year-old Karena McClerkin reported that she had been missing since October 11, 2016. Subsequent investigation revealed that Karena was last seen at a residence in the 1000 block of South Washington Street Kokomo, Indiana.
Since the time of the initial report, investigators of the Kokomo Police Department have continuously followed up leads and information. This investigation has remained ongoing.
In the fall of 2021, investigators received additional information about Karena McClerkin’s disappearance as well as the events that took place the following day. After receiving this information, additional investigative efforts were pursued along with the assistance of the Indiana State Police.
These investigative techniques resulted in an affidavit being submitted to the Howard County Prosecutor’s Office. On July 18, 2022, an arrest warrant was issued for Flint V. Farmer, 57-years-old of Kokomo, Indiana, for one count of Murder. Flint Farmer was located at a residence in the 600 block of South Purdum Street that same day, and he was taken into custody.
As the investigation continued, on the evening of July 18, 2022, investigators followed evidence which led to a rural area of Miami County as a possible location of the deceased body of Karena McClerkin. A scene was established and secured that evening.
Investigators of the Kokomo Police Department, Indiana State Police and Miami County Coroner’s Office began long and methodical processing of this scene that lasted until the following evening of July 19, 2022. This scene processing resulted in the discovery of what appeared to be human skeletal remains. These remains were secured by the Miami County Coroner’s Office pending autopsy.
This autopsy was scheduled for July 22, 2022 at the Howard County Coroner’s Office and performed by a forensic pathologist. While the recovered remains were determined to be human, the identity of the person was pending. The specific cause and manner of death is still being examined and a report pending by the Miami County Coroner’s Office and forensic scientists.
The Indiana State Police Laboratory was requested to examine evidence specifically to identify the human remains. On the morning of August 5, 2022, the Kokomo Police Department received a Certificate of Analysis from the Indiana State Police Laboratory which made a positive DNA identification of the recovered body as being that of Karena McClerkin. The immediate family has been notified of the identification.
Again, the Kokomo Police Department extends its gratitude to all of the aforementioned agencies who have assisted, and continue to assist, with this investigation.
This case remains active for investigation. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Lieutenant Richard Benzinger at 765-456-7324 or the Kokomo Police Department Hotline at (765) 456-7017. You may qualify for a cash reward by calling Central Indiana Crime Stoppers at 1-800-262-TIPS with your anonymous tip.
Anonymous tips can also be provided via text message to 847411 and begin the text message with the keyword TIPKPD. Citizens can download the Kokomo PD app free on their smartphone through the Google Play Store or the iTunes Store.
Remember all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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