Kansas City Crime Scene: Cold Cases & Urban Hope Against Violence

There have been a few murders this week but last night's temperatures kept nearly EVERYONE inside and somewhat peaceful.

Still, there's relevant crime new to catch up on and right now we share this TKC collection of stories on court fights, ALLEGED misdeeds, police action and possibly a bit of hope . . .

Family of recent Kansas City homicide victim speak of loss, hope in investigation

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The family of a Kansas City homicide victim said they want their loved one to be more than a number. Austin DeClements, 25, was killed at 10th & Olive nearly one week ago on Jan. 26. When officers arrived on scene they were flagged down by a his girlfriend.

Eighteen squatters cleared from apartment building

Kansas City, Mo., police officers from two patrol zones responded to an apartment building at 145 S. Hardesty to assist a property management company clear a building full of squatters last Thursday afternoon. According to officials with Hasty Property Management, the building was secured repeatedly.

Former Missouri teacher's sex charges dropped after she marries student

by: Luke Sachetta, Priscilla Mace, Jocelina Joiner, Nexstar Media Wire Posted: / Updated: SARCOXIE, Mo. ( KSNF) - A former Missouri teacher charged with having sexual relations with a student is now having her charges dropped after she and the student married.

Over $200,000 awarded to victims of violent crime in Kansas

TOPEKA (KSNT) - One hundred and seventy-seven victims of violent crime in Kansas are set to receive financial compensation from the Kansas Crime Victims Compensation Board According to the Kansas Attorney General's Office, a total of $218,195.23 is to be awarded to 177 victims who have suffered from violent crime.

FBI investigating following robbery at Commerce Bank in Raytown

RAYTOWN, MO (KCTV) -- The FBI is investigating a bank robbery that happened in Raytown today. According to the authorities, it happened just after 5 p.m. in the Commerce Bank at 6705 Blue Ridge Blvd. They say the suspect walked up to the counter, presented a note, and made a verbal demand for money.

Shawnee PD announces death of police K-9

SHAWNEE, KS (KCTV) -- The Shawnee Police Department says one of its police dogs has died. Canine Joep passed away Monday, according to the department on Twitter. Joep served from 2009 to 2013 with handler Shaun Arnold. It is with sadness we report Canine Joep passed away yesterday.

KCPD not participating in FBI officer suicide data collection

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Federal Bureau of Investigations is requesting all police departments participate in its Law Enforcement Suicide Data Collection, a new voluntary database aimed at providing national statistics on these tragedies. The database is designed to help agencies better understand and prevent suicides among current and former law enforcement officers, corrections employees, 911 operators, judges, and prosecutors.

Four arrests in the last year: Kansas Legislature, you've got a serious problem

OPINION AND COMMENTARY The latest: State Rep. Suzi Carlson, a Clay Center Republican, was arrested and booked into jail Monday night on suspicion of driving under the influence and failing to stay in a single lane. That makes her the fourth state legislator to be arrested in less than a year, as The Star's news story noted.

Violence prevention expert Dr. Marvia Jones named new Health Department Director

Dr. Marvia Jones has been appointed Director for the Kansas City Health Department. Jones previously served as the Violence Prevention and Policy Manager for the Health Department. Jones replaces Rex Archer, who retired in August after 23 years of service to the City.

Policing Is All In The Family For East Patrol Officer

Even though policing wasn't his first choice - he thought for a flash he'd play professional football - it's no surprise Whitney ended up in a uniform. Whitney's father and mother were both officers in Compton, Calif. in the '80s and '90s. In fact, his mother was the helicopter pilot during the O.J.

Developing . . .