Kansas City 2023 Homicide #170 : UPDATED & RULED ACCIDENTAL

From police morning . . . 

"UPDATE: A juvenile teen was identified as a person of interest and taken into custody for questioning. The early stages of the investigation revealed the shooting was an accident."

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 TKC note . . . We can expect increased scrutiny of every homicide before the end of the year as the Mayor's office struggles to avoid another record breaking year for killing on local streets. 

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Today Kansas City crosses a dangerous threshold as Winter weather didn't arrive early enough suppress violence on local streets.   

And so . . .

KANSAS CITY 2023 HOMICIDE #170 STARTS THE TRAGIC COUNTDOWN TO ANOTHER RECORD BREAKING DEADLY YEAR!!!

The trend has been building for more than a decade but 2020 pushed us over the edge with a record 179 homicides that proved to be the deadliest year ever recorded in Kansas City history. 

2022 recorded 170 total homicides which was the 2nd deadliest year on record. 

Tragically, the numbers continue to push north with very little progress despite increasing "anti-violence" funds and a disputed "new plan" enacted by KCPD leadership. 

Police union leaders contend that the force remains about 300 positions short of goals yet recruiting has proven more difficult than most expected despite increased efforts and generous compensation. 

Amid this election year police, Mayor & council disputes seem strangely subdued after years of budget debates and alleged "defending" targeting local law enforcement.

These are only the highlights of a discussion that deserves to be the forefront of the local conversation but, honestly, hasn't motivated many residents to do as little as get out and vote.

First report from this afternoon tragedy . . . 

Homicide 3200 block of Park

This afternoon just after 3PM, officers were dispatched to the 3200 block of Park Ave. on a reported shooting.

When officers arrived, they were summoned to a nearby residence. Officers entered the home and were led to a room where a juvenile teen male was located unresponsive suffering from apparent gunshot trauma. EMS immediately responded and began life saving measures. The victim was declared deceased a short time later.

We do not have a person of interest in custody.

Homicide detectives and crime scene personnel have responded to begin gathering evidence and collecting witness statements.

Roselyn Temple with KC Mothers in Charge has also responded to provide support to the victim’s family.

This scene is being investigated as a homicide and is ongoing at this time. We do not believe there is a current threat to the public or surrounding areas in relation this incident.

If anyone was in or around the area at this time and saw or heard anything they are asked to contact Homicide detectives directly at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS there is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously to the TIPS hotline.

We are committed to assisting victims of violent crimes through use of Missouri’s Protection Program for Victims/Witnesses of Violent Crime. Funding for temporary, or even permanent relocation, may be available but is subject to pre-approval by the State’s administering agency.

We are working with Partners for Peace in all our homicide investigations to monitor risks for retaliation and provide social services to affected residents.

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Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . .

KCMO shooting leaves teen boy dead Saturday afternoon

A teen boy died in a shooting in Kansas City, Missouri, Saturday afternoon.

KCPD: 16-year-old found dead with gunshot wound

Police say they do not have a person of interest in custody.

Shooting near East 33rd Street, 1 person dead

Kansas City Police are investigating a homicide early Saturday evening. Police responded to a shooting call, just after 3 p.m., in the area of east Linwood Boulevard and east 33rd street.

Developing . . .