Kansas City Mayor Q Spins Homicide Numbers After Teen Girl Killed

First and foremost, we think it's important to share the narrative and a picture of the victim that family has given to local news media . . . In order to humanize this horrific tragedy that has claimed so many lives. 

Here's updated info and a number where tipsters can call . . . 

"The teen was unresponsive and taken to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead. She was later identified as 16-year-old Traelynn Sibley.

"Investigators say Sibley was hit by gunfire from outside the home. They do not have any suspects at this time and are investigating her death as a homicide.

Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to contact homicide detectives directly at 816-234-5043 or the anonymous TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously to the TIPS hotline."

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However . . .

TKC readers notice Mayor Q offering his condolences which is appropriate . . . But that includes an attempt to re-frame KCMO homicide stats. 

Here's the word . . . We'll offer an additional highlight of the part that stands out: 

On Sunday, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas issued a statement on Sibley’s death:

“Each life taken by violence is a tragedy. This year has seen far too many tragedies claim the lives of women and girls, including last night’s. Our hearts break for the passing of another teenage girl in our community and for all the lives and families affected by these preventable and cowardly acts.”

“We will continue to be a City that invests more resources for those leaving domestic crises, enhances opportunities for our young people, and focuses on violent offenders for swift and certain justice and severe consequences. We will never stop fighting for a safer Kansas City for all.”

His office noted that “With her passing, Kansas City has reached 100 homicides for 33 of the past 40 years.”

Even local news pushed the reaction to the bottom of their report because it's likely to encounter strident objections. 

From our vantage and trying to be as objective as possible . . .  

It seems Mayor Q is attempting to downplay record-breaking violence during his tenure by framing it over a longer time span. In fact, Mayor Q has presided over the deadliest years in Kansas City history despite a pledge to work toward keeping the homicide count under 100. 

Of course we're not blaming his administration solely for the trend . . . There are A LOT of people who should take some accountability. 

However . . .

It's important that voters realize the mayor's statement includes no shortage of political spin. 

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

KCTV5: Teenager shot from outside Kansas City home dies in hospital; suspects unknown

Developing . . .