HARRISONVILLE, Mo. -- A team of 14 detectives from across the Kansas City metropolitan area was investigating the death of a woman on Thursday, said Metro Squad Detective Jeff Cowdry.

Cara Jo Roberts' husband found her dead in their home in the 800 block of South Patton Street at about 5:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Authorities didn't say how the 30-year-old woman died, but they did say it was the first homicide in Harrisonville this year.

They said they believed she was killed while she was home alone.

The Harrisonville Police Department requested the help of a Metro Squad because homicides are so rare in their community.

Investigators went door to door Thursday asking neighbors if they witnessed anything.

Jeff Norman had known Roberts since she was in the eighth grade. His wife, he said, was Roberts' cheerleader sponsor in high school.

She had a "beautiful little boy" and a "great husband," Norman said.

"I'm in shock today really," he said.