Suspects in most serious crimes are charged within a few days of the alleged incident. In some cases, however, prosecutors may wait weeks or even months to file charges as they strive to uncover evidence of other crimes allegedly committed by the suspect. In a case stemming from a 2019 shooting, prosecutors recently filed homicide charges against a Kansas City, Missouri man.
The alleged crime
According to the charging documents filed with the court, police received a report of a dead body on Red Bridge Road and U.S. 71/I-49 just after 12:30 a.m. on August 19, 2019. When officers arrived at the scene, they found the body of a man lying next to a vehicle parked on the edge of the road. The man appeared to have been killed by a gunshot wound to the back of his head. Medical examiners expressed the opinion that he had also suffered multiple contusions and abrasions to his head and legs.
Further investigation
Kansas City detectives learned that the car on the side of the road had been sold a few days before the murder was discovered. Police contacted the man who allegedly sold the vehicle, but he told police that the vehicle had been stolen and that he had been sleeping at home when the incident allegedly occurred. The suspect provided his cell phone to detectives, who discovered activity when the suspect said that he was sleeping. A year later, in October 2020, the suspect changed his story and said that he and a companion were looking for a drug dealer whom they intended to rob. His car broke down, and another motorist pulled over to help him. The suspect said that he saw his companion shoot the motorist and that they drove off in his car, which they soon abandoned.
Prosecutors have charged the suspect with second degree murder and armed criminal action.
What next?
The suspect in this case has been charged with serious criminal offenses. If convicted, he could be sentenced to several years of incarceration and ordered to pay a heavy fine. Anyone facing similar charges may wish to consult an experienced criminal defense attorney for an evaluation of the evidence, assistance in formulating a defense strategy and when appropriate, help in negotiating an acceptable plea agreement.