Missouri: 6-Year-Old Kansas Boy Shot, Killed by Masked Gunmen Outside His Home
A 6-year-old Kansas boy was shot and killed outside his Missouri home on Wednesday night, and police do not believe the shooting was a random attack.
According to local reports, Sir'Antonio Brown was fixing his bike with his uncle when some gunmen wearing masks walked up to the family's home and opened fire.
Police said the suspects were driving a maroon Subaru Legacy with Kansas plates, which was found Thursday, KCUR reported. Authorities noted that the "targeted attack" happened in the 3100 block of Greeley Avenue in Kansas City around 6:15 p.m.
The Kansas boy's family and neighbors said three people in black masks drove past the house and parked near Lafayette Avenue before walking toward the home, where the gunmen indiscriminately opened fire.
Police said more than 30 bullet casings were found. Sir Antonio's aunt, Sharon Wills, told the outlet that the suspects "had big guns, rifles or AKs."
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Investigation Is Ongoing as Police Looked For the Killers of Kansas Boy in Missouri
The Kansas boy, a kindergarten student at West Park Elementary School, was transported to an area hospital after the shooting but died shortly later.
The boy's relatives said he was interested in karate, enjoyed riding his bike, and considered himself the protector of his family even at a young age.
According to KC TV5, police are still investigating the shooting incident and continue searching for the suspects. Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department Deputy Chief George Sims said somebody knew who did it and asked anyone with information to contact the police.
After receiving a tip, the suspects' vehicle was located at 8 a.m. on Thursday near East 55th Street and Norton Avenue in Kansas City, Missouri. A still image of the suspect's vehicle was released by police, taken from security footage.
A family member also provided CCTV footage from their home to identify and apprehend the suspects. In the video, Sir Antonio Brown was seen standing in front of the house next to a car and a bike while another vehicle passed by, and minutes later, gunfire erupted.
Fatal Shooting of Kansas Boy in Missouri Was Intentional, Authorities Said
In a press briefing on Thursday, Sims noted that "this isn't a tragedy" but "an intentional act." Authorities believed that the adult was the intended target.
Sims also said the shooters knew that the Kansas boy was in the street when they fired shots, making this one, in particular, hit "us exceptionally hard," KSHB reported.
Police asked everyone nearby to look through their security footage and submit any leads they could find.
The public can call the Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers Tips Hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477) to report any tips regarding this case, and all calls are anonymous. A tip leading to an arrest can get an award of up to $25,000.
"We absolutely do need help locating them, but do not retaliate. Do not confront them. Do not shelter them," Sims said.
"Call Tips [the tip line]. Call the police department so that we can follow up and bring this investigation to a quick conclusion and bring these shooters to justice," he added.
According to a report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association last year, gun violence is now the leading cause of death for American children, surpassing car accidents.
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Written by: Bert Hoover
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