Missing woman's husband planned to deploy with Guard

Kansas City Police continue to search for clues and tips in the disappearance of the wife of an Independence firefighter.

Darin Snapp, public information officer for the Kansas City Police Department, said the disappearance of Renee M. Pernice of Kansas City, the wife of Independence firefighter Shon Pernice, is out of character for the mother and three and police officials have ruled the case as suspicious. Snapp said in talking with relatives of Renee Pernice, the department has concluded that she would not have gone days without contacting family members.

Renee Pernice was reported missing Saturday by her father after the father last spoke with his daughter Thursday.

“Speaking with her family and all of her friends they all say her kids are pretty much her life,” Snapp said, adding that Renee Pernice’s cell phone was found Saturday near Sixth Street and Gladstone in Kansas City. “With that, we definitely believe foul play is involved. (The Pernices) do not live anywhere close to Sixth and Gladstone.”

Attempts to reach Shon Pernice Tuesday for comment were unsuccessful. Independence Fire Chief Sandra Schiess said Shon Pernice is a four-year veteran with the department and recently requested leave for military duty. Sunday, Schiess said, Shon Pernice requested vacation time to deal with his wife’s disappearance, postponing his deployment to the Missouri National Guard.

“We are really concerned about the family,” Schiess said. “The Fire Department is very close knit and when something like this happens to one of our own our hearts go out to them. We are hoping for the best outcome.”

Renee Pernice is described as a white female, 5 foot 9 inches, 130 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. Snapp said Renee Pernice is a nurse in the St. Luke’s hospital system.

“She has a great job, a family that she loves and this is very unlike her,” Snapp said. “We hope she is safe.”

Anyone who may know Pernice’s whereabouts is urged to call the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-8477.