Charges filed against man accused of desecrating homicide victim’s grave
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Charges have been filed against one man who has been accused of the desecration of the grave of an unsolved homicide victim.
Jackson County, Missouri, Circuit Court records filed on Tuesday, Jan. 21, have revealed that JoSean N. Lee, 20, of Kansas City, has been charged in connection to the vandalism of an unsolved homicide victim’s grave.
A probable cause statement filed by the Kansas City Police Department indicated that on Monday, Jan. 13, emergency crews were called to a local cemetery with reports of property damage. When they arrived, they found part of a headstone that belonged to the victim of a 2023 unsolved homicide had been damaged.
Later that day, investigators said they came across an Instagram video posted by a juvenile that showed Lee and another minor standing over the headstone. The pair proceeded to kick the headstone over, pour an unknown liquid on it and then shoot it before Lee attempted to light the liquid on fire.
The family of the victim told investigators that they are still mourning the loss of their family member. They reported they recently received a video that showed an individual smoking marijuana and then putting it out on a t-shirt with the victim’s face on it.
The funeral home that operates the graveyard reported to detectives that due to extensive damage, the headstone would need to be replaced, which would cost around $7,800.
“Deliberately destroying a burial site is not only a criminal offense but also inflicts lasting trauma on a family already grieving for their loved one. Regardless of age, if you choose to engage in this type of destructive and disrespectful behavior, you will face serious consequences. My office will continue to prosecute these cases to the fullest extent possible,” Prosecutor Melesa Johnson said.
As a result, charges of harassment, vandalizing a marked burial site and property damage were all filed against Lee. He could also face charges in connection to Blair’s Law. If convicted he could spend up to 12 years behind bars and pay a $30,000 fine.
A warrant was issued for Lee’s arrest on Tuesday with a $10,000 bond attached, however, as of Wednesday, he does not appear to be behind bars. A hearing has not yet been scheduled in his case.
Due to the age of the other suspect, no further information has been released yet. The investigation remains ongoing.
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