KANSAS CITY — In a significant turn of events in Kansas City, a jury on Friday convicted D’Aires Gadson, a 29-year-old man, for his role in a fatal shooting that occurred last year in the North Town Fork Creek neighborhood. The verdict, delivered on March 28, 2025, found Gadson guilty of 2nd Degree Murder and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, as announced by Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.
The tragic incident unfolded on October 3, 2024, when Kansas City police received reports of a shooting at the intersection of East 55th Street and College Avenue. Upon arrival, officers discovered a man lying in the street, suffering from severe gunshot wounds. Despite the immediate medical attention, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Surveillance footage from the area painted a grim picture of the events leading to the man's death. The video showed Gadson pulling out a firearm and shooting at the victim, who desperately attempted to escape toward his truck. Witnesses reported that after the shooting, Gadson rifled through the victim’s pockets before fleeing the scene in the victim’s truck.
Gadson's criminal history includes a conviction in 2018 for 2nd Degree Robbery and Armed Criminal Action, which barred him from legally possessing firearms. This prior record played a crucial role in the prosecution's case against him.
Chief Trial Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Jamie Hunt and Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Kendall Robbins represented the state of Missouri in the trial, which culminated in the jury's decision. Gadson is scheduled to be sentenced on June 5, 2025, and faces a potentially lengthy prison term.
Meanwhile, as the community grapples with the aftermath of this conviction, another shooting incident has emerged, further underscoring the ongoing violence in Kansas City. On the night of March 28, 2025, emergency crews responded to a shooting that left one man dead in the street, a mere two blocks from Garfield Elementary School.
At approximately 8:30 p.m., police were called to the area of Park Ave. and Elma St. Upon arrival, they found a man lying in the roadway with multiple gunshot wounds. Despite the efforts of first responders to provide lifesaving measures, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
As of 10:35 p.m. on that same night, law enforcement officials reported that no suspects were in custody regarding this latest incident. Preliminary investigations indicated that an interaction between two individuals in the street led to the shooting, although details remain sparse as investigators continue to gather evidence.
In an effort to encourage public assistance, authorities have announced a $25,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of the shooter. They are urging anyone with knowledge of the incident to contact the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.
The recent surge in violence has raised concerns among residents and community leaders, highlighting the urgent need for effective measures to address gun-related crimes in the area. As both cases unfold, the community remains on edge, hoping for justice and safety in their neighborhoods.
In summary, the dual incidents of gun violence in Kansas City this week reveal a troubling trend that local officials and residents must confront. While Gadson faces sentencing for his crimes, the investigation into the latest shooting continues, leaving many questions unanswered and a community yearning for peace.
