Special Reports

Killer deals: Jackson leads all counties in probation for second-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter

The Kansas City Star
In 2011, Kenneth Bledsoe’s son David was killed during a robbery at the family’s rental shop. The getaway driver testified against the robbers and got probation after pleading guilty to second-degree murder and robbery. Fear now keeps customers away from the store.
In 2011, Kenneth Bledsoe’s son David was killed during a robbery at the family’s rental shop. The getaway driver testified against the robbers and got probation after pleading guilty to second-degree murder and robbery. Fear now keeps customers away from the store. David Eulitt The Kansas City Star

Jackson County gave twice as many probation sentences for voluntary manslaughter as all of Missouri’s other circuits combined. The county also is generous in giving probation to those convicted of second-degree murder. Kenneth Bledsoe’s son David was killed in a robbery at the family’s rental shop. The getaway driver got probation after pleading guilty to second-degree murder and robbery, and the Bledsoes worry because he is still on the streets.

Click here to read The Star’s special report.

This story was originally published August 2, 2014 at 6:47 PM with the headline "Killer deals: Jackson leads all counties in probation for second-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter."

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