Raymore man sentenced to lengthy prison term for fatal shooting at Blue Springs park
A 19-year-old Raymore man has been given a lengthy prison sentence for a fatal shooting at a Blue Springs park in 2024. The shooting happened during a fight in which another person was also killed, according to police.
Marquis Savannah pleaded guilty to one count of voluntary manslaughter and one count of armed criminal action Thursday in Jackson County Circuit Court. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison.
“Two young lives were cut short, and another young person will now spend decades behind bars as a consequence of his actions. Violence will never be tolerated, regardless of one’s age,” Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson said in a statement. “Our office remains committed to seeking justice for victims and their families.”
Molly Hastings, Savannah’s attorney, did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday.
Blue Springs police identified the two men who were killed in the April 13, 2024, incident as 20-year-old LaDronal Hamilton Jr. and 20-year-old Karmello Matlock.
Court documents identify Hamilton as the victim Savannah was accused of shooting.. Prosecutors said another suspect, a juvenile, pulled a gun and fired at the other victim, Matlock.
Investigators determined the shooting started as a fight involving a group at Wilbur Young Park, at 1100 Southeast Adams Dairy Parkway in Blue Springs.
Police determined Savannah “charged” at one of the victims, and they began to fight, prosecutors said.
During the fight, an “AR style rifle” was dropped near the victim, and Savannah allegedly picked it up, ran and turned to fire at the victim, according to court documents. Surveillance video showed at least eight muzzle flashes from the rifle Savannah was holding, police said.
