Police investigate Kansas City’s 140th homicide after teen fatally shot

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Police have started to investigate Kansas City’s 140th homicide of 2024 after a teenager was fatally shot inside a home near an area high school.

The Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department says that around 5:15 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 15, emergency crews were called to the area of E 33rd and Bales Ave., near Central High School and Middle School, with reports of a shooting.

When first responders arrived, they said they were led inside a home where they found a teenage boy who had been injured by gunfire. He was taken to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

“Earlier, there were a lot of people crying on the block,” said KD Sgt. Phil DiMartino. “There were a lot of people out. People were really upset by what happened. They’re frustrated; understandably so.”

A preliminary investigation revealed an argument had led up to the shooting. Detectives said they continue to canvass the area for potential witnesses as crime scene investigators gather physical evidence.

A $25,000 reward has been offered for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the responsible shooter. Anyone with information can report it to the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.

“We are 10 days out from Christmas. That has a deep effect on everyone involved in this,” said DiMartino. “I want to remind our community that if they heard something, if they saw something, no matter how small they think it is, it’s not small to us. Call us. Call the TIPS Hotline.”

This is the 140th homicide in Kansas City in 2024, which police agree is too many. No further information has been released.

“This is our 140th homicide. That’s too many in our city,” Sgt. DiMartino noted. “Yet again, I’m speaking about another juvenile victim. That’s a lot for our community to deal with.”

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