Kansas City Star Hypes Sketchy 'Hot Mic' Story Against Police Chief

The day after the Kansas City Police Board SMACKED DOWN a recent rumor published by the newspaper . . . A beleaguered dead-tree institution doubles down on their vendetta against the top cop.

Here's their latest, best effort . . .

Det. Eric DeValkenaere shot Lamb as the 26-year-old Kansas Citian backed his pickup truck into the garage of his home on Dec. 3, 2019, at 4154 College Ave. Earlier this month, DeValkenaere was found guilty of second-degree involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action in a bench trial. 

Shortly after arriving at the crime scene in December 2019, Smith is heard on a recording saying: “Everyone is good, house is clear. Bad guy’s dead.”

A source close to the investigation confirmed to The Star that it was Smith who made the remark.

Sadly . . .

The editorial board hasn't learned their lesson and they're still relying upon anonymous sources like some newbie blog . . . But without any hottie pix or funny fart jokes. 

What's worse about this story is that even if the reporting is accurate . . . Which is now in question given their very obvious bias . . . For better or worse, this content will likely only incite less than a dozen local activists. 

More importantly . . . KCPD won't verify or confirm the audio from a crowded crime scene two years ago.

Finally . . .

Agree or disagree with the police . . .

Hot mic stories are the hallmark of tabloid TV garbage and not an institution that claims uphold civic journalism.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com news link . . .

Police Chief Rick Smith said 'bad guy's dead' minutes after KC detective killed Cameron Lamb

Minutes after a now-convicted Kansas City police detective fatally shot Cameron Lamb, Police Chief Rick Smith was captured on audio saying the "bad guy's dead." Det. Eric DeValkenaere shot Lamb as the 26-year-old Kansas Citian backed his pickup truck into the garage of his home on Dec. 3, 2019, at 4154 College Ave.

Follow-up . . .

In letter, KC Council says they'll only negotiate police budget with a new chief

OPINION AND COMMENTARY Audio of Kansas City Police Chief Rick Smith, minutes after Cameron Lamb was fatally shot by detective Eric DeValkenaere, declaring that all was right with the world does not, unfortunately, come as the shock that it should.