Many Probations

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.

Many Probations

Jackson leads all counties in probation for 2nd-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter

Jackson County gave twice as many probation sentences for voluntary manslaughter as all of Missouri’s other circuit courts combined, The Kansas City Star learned by analyzing state data from 2009 through 2013. The county is also generous in giving probation to those convicted of second-degree murder.

Kenneth and Joan Bledsoe say they’re glad the state isn’t having to pay for the medical expenses of the 68-year-old getaway driver in their son’s murder, since the man is on probation.

Many Probations

Bledsoe family first loses son, now losing Kansas City rental shop

Nearly three years after her husband’s murder, Dana Davis says she still doesn’t feel the sense of closure that she thinks might have come had there been a trial for the killers.

Many Probations

Independence widow regrets not putting killers on trial

Two of Donald Holman’s sisters, Diane Holman and Bertha Johnson (both standing), and his mother, Emma Holman, said they felt cheated when they didn’t get a say in court against one of his killers.

Many Probations

Felon's freedom added to the grief suffered by Donald Holman's family

Many Probations

After killing KC woman, pair avoids major prison time while widower grieves

A family photograph of Domineak Bynum, who was killed by Djuan Hatten outside Bynum’s home in 2009.

Many Probations

Jackson County gives many violent criminals probation, data show

Platte County Prosecutor Eric Zahnd knows courts north of the Missouri River have strict sentencing philosophies. One criminal said people in prison talk about not wanting to get caught committing a crime in the Northland.

Many Probations

Platte County prides itself on being tough on crime

Many Probations

How The Star sorted, analyzed data in probation investigation

Many Probations

The contentious history of probation in the U.S.

Many Probations

U.S. district judge blasts Jackson County court system

Videos

More Videos

Raw video: Fatal accident near Johnson County Community College

0:21

Raw video: Fatal accident near Johnson County Community College

$35 million sale price for handwritten Book of Mormon sets new record

1:23

$35 million sale price for handwritten Book of Mormon sets new record

Shawnee Mission North High School student becomes second teen to join Kansas governor's race

1:55

Shawnee Mission North High School student becomes second teen to join Kansas governor's race

Listen as Missouri Highway Patrol trooper Anthony Piercy apologizes to Ellingson family

0:31

Listen as Missouri Highway Patrol trooper Anthony Piercy apologizes to Ellingson family

KCK woman was killed in a car crash while fleeing an alleged rape

0:58

KCK woman was killed in a car crash while fleeing an alleged rape

Sporting KC receives 2017 U.S. Open Cup trophy

0:33

Sporting KC receives 2017 U.S. Open Cup trophy

How a 'glitch' was affecting Missouri's Keno game

1:46

How a 'glitch' was affecting Missouri's Keno game

Chiefs' keys to beating Chargers include keeping your cool, Peters and Kelce

1:55

Chiefs' keys to beating Chargers include keeping your cool, Peters and Kelce

After a 10 year hiatus, Central High School resurrects march band

2:25

After a 10 year hiatus, Central High School resurrects march band

Former Commerce Secretary Antonio Soave speaks at Pittsburg summit in April

1:10

Former Commerce Secretary Antonio Soave speaks at Pittsburg summit in April

Impairment, speed contribute to an increase in fatal crashes in Kansas City

Sep 22, 2017

Bill Mahoney, a spokesman with the Kansas City Police Department, said impairment and speed are two contributing factors to the increase in fatal crashes in the city.

Robert A. Cronkleton and Monty Davis The Kansas City Star

View More Video

Top Photos