Teen killed in drive-by Avondale shooting identifed, as officials work to name suspect

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office has identified the 17-year-old who was shot and killed Tuesday night in an alleged drive-by shooting in Avondale.

In a Thursday news release, deputies identified the victim as Therrell K. “TJ” Jackson of Kansas City.

Around 9 p.m., multiple 911 callers reported the sound of shots being fired in the Avondale area, and shortly after a caller reported that someone had been shot in the 3200 block of Northeast Excelsior Street.

Detectives located Jackson suffering from gunshot wounds. He was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Investigators with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office are still searching for the suspect. Investigators believe the suspected shooter was driving a dark blue or black 1996-98 Chevrolet Silverado 4X4 Z71 pickup with one of its headlights out.

The sheriff’s office have released a video and a photo of the pickup believed to have been involved in the fatal drive-by shooting and asked anyone who recognizes the pickup or has information about the homicide to call the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online.

This story was originally published August 1, 2024 at 3:30 PM.