KC Crime Scene: Tragic Teen Shooting & Death Penalty Deliberations

We're still catching up with some of the stories we want to share but for tonight we wanted to take a pause and focus on local violence trending one way or another.

As of this writing Kansas City seems to be at a crossroads . . . 

The homicide count is EXACTLY the same level it was last year . . . KCMO counts 121 homicides so far this year, which is EXACTLY where the stats stood last year at this same date on the calendar.

Accordingly . . . 

Those who know this cowtown well understand that the holiday season often inspires more tension, instances of domestic violence and pressure all the way around. We're hoping Kansas City better understands how this trend impacts locals and simply by ATTEMPTING TO UNDERSTAND THE DATA helps people to better understand their world and the local environment. 

At least that's our hope.

And so . . . Here are more than a few stories about local crime, court cases and, of course, community outreach.  

Check TKC news gathering . . .

Jury begins deliberations over death penalty for man convicted in death of NKC police officer

A jury began deliberations late Tuesday morning on whether Joshua Rocha, the man convicted of killing North Kansas City Police Ofc. Daniel Vasquez, should be sentenced to death.

New details in KC-area shooting that injured pregnant woman, killed unborn child: 'Horrific'

Ally and Austin Marshall were on their way to a birthday party on Sept. 20 when she was shot in the thigh while driving. After it took around an hour to get her to a hospital for help, her unborn child died the next day.

Alleged suspect in Saturday's deadly wrong-way crash on I-29 had stolen car in Gladstone

KSHB 41 News learned new details Monday in a Northland crime spree that ended in a deadly wrong-way crash Saturday on Interstate 29.

'We should be angry': Teen killed in shooting at Kansas City's Bay Water Park

Kansas City police are investigating a deadly shooting that claimed the life of a 16-year-old boy Saturday evening near the Bay Water Park off Longview Road.

Mother facing felony child endangerment after autistic boy found on street in diaper

Officers said they found her child, who has autism and is nonverbal, wandering a neighborhood in only a diaper.

US Supreme Court rejects appeal from Kansas City man convicted in triple murder

The U.S. Supreme Court announced Monday morning it will not hear the appeal of a Kansas City man convicted of killing three people in 2018.

Parkville man facing up to life in prison for drug possession, violent assault of girlfriend

His girlfriend of two months described multiple times that she was punched and kicked in the head, ribs or elsewhere.

Lenexa driver sentenced to 6 years for deadly crash, driving under the influence

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A Lenexa woman originally charged with murder after a deadly crash was sentenced in Johnson County Court on Thursday. Court records show that Amy Dawn Crouch was sentenced to 72 months, or six years, in the Kansas Department of Corrections after she pleaded guilty to an amended charge of involuntary manslaughter [...]

Grandview Police receives $50K state grant for training simulator, officer pay

KSHB 41's Megan Abundis was in Grandview this week to learn more about how the city is using a $50,000 grant they received as part of Missouri's Blue Shield initiative.

Woman who helped stabbing victim near WWI Museum says she trusted her instincts

Courtney Carson was walking to Union Station with her sister around 9:45 a.m. to watch the new Taylor Swift movie when she noticed a man following them.

Initiative in Clay County gives voice to domestic violence victims

The Clay County Sheriff's Office launched a new initiative to support victims of domestic violence, giving them a voice.

'These teens are dropping like flies': Family of 16-year-old shot near park fights for justice

A local family is seeking justice for their murdered 16-year-old.

Developing . . .