Four people have lost their lives and several others have been hospitalized following two separate early morning shootings in Missouri on Sunday, June 25.
The Kansas City Police Department (KCPD) responded to a shooting incident that occurred at about 4:30 am near 57th Street and Prospect Avenue. Upon arrival, law enforcement found three deceased victims in a parking lot and on the street near the intersection.
The police department’s official statement announced, “The three victims, comprising two adult males and one adult female, were pronounced dead at the scene.” On Monday, the three victims were identified as 28-year-old Jasity J. Strong, 29-year-old Camden M. Brown, and 22-year-old Nikko A. Manning. The KCPD further disclosed that six additional victims, with injuries considered non-life threatening, had been transported to various hospitals by private vehicles or ambulances, as relayed by witnesses.
Initial reports suggest a large gathering of people was taking place in the parking lot outside an auto mechanic shop that is the location of after-hours parties. Detectives working on the case expressed confidence that numerous witnesses may possess valuable information about the incident.
A person of interest is in custody and the shooting is currently under active investigation by local law enforcement agencies. In response to the tragedy, Mayor Quinton Lucas of Kansas City, Missouri, expressed his condolences to the bereaved families in a Facebook statement. Mayor Lucas added, “If the business knew that people would be present, without security, selling alcohol, and circumventing our laws, that business should be closed.”
In another incident that occurred around 3 am, the KCPD responded to a separate shooting near 31st Street. Details about the number and condition of the injured victims were not immediately available, but one of the victims was transported to a hospital and later succumbed to his injuries on Sunday afternoon.
Police have announced a reward of up to $25,000 for any information leading to the identification and arrest of suspects in these incidents.
