Murder charge filed against Gladstone man following early-morning shooting

GLADSTONE, Mo. (KCTV) - A man following an early-morning shooting in Gladstone has been charged with murder.

Clay County, Missouri, Circuit Court records filed on Friday, May 16, indicate that Bobby L. Colding III, 21, of Gladstone, has been charged with murder following an early-morning disturbance.

A probable cause statement filed by the Gladstone Police Department revealed that just after 2:15 a.m. on Friday, law enforcement officials were called to 6002 N. Bircain Pl. with reports of a disturbance. The caller reported they heard multiple gunshots come from a nearby apartment building.

When first responders arrived, they said they heard yelling at the apartment in question. When those inside were asked to come to the door, investigators were told they could not, as the victim was blocking the door. Officers were able to push the door open and found the victim lying unconscious just inside the entry.

As law enforcement officials made their way inside the apartment, a man later identified as Colding immediately itted to the shooting. He was quickly detained as a firearm was removed from his pocket.

Investigators noted that EMS arrived on the scene about 5 minutes after their arrival. Life-saving measures were performed as the victim was taken to a nearby hospital. He was pronounced deceased by North Kansas City Hospital staff around 3 a.m.

Throughout the investigation, law enforcement officials said they found a witness’s fiancé had invited the victim over while Colding and the witness were supposed to be at work. However, when the pair decided to skip their shift that night and return home, they found the victim pantsless and without underwear.

Ultimately, a fight broke out between Colding, the witness, and the victim. However, it was made clear that the victim attempted to leave the apartment several times. A child was also found to have been sleeping in a nearby bedroom.

Investigators said they found that during the fight, the victim hit Colding and pushed him before Colding shot him. Colding told law enforcement officials he did so out of fear for himself and the witness, but regrets what happened. No one reportedly saw the victim with any type of weapon.

As a result, Colding has been charged with murder in the second degree and armed criminal action. If convicted, he could face up to life in prison. As of Monday, he remains behind bars on a $500,000 bond.

An arraignment has been scheduled for 1:35 p.m. on Monday, May 19. No further information has been released.

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