Man charged in Christmas Eve shooting that left 1 dead in Kansas City
A man is charged with second-degree murder in connection to a fatal shooting that took place on Christmas Eve in Kansas City, the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office said in a news release.
The suspect, identified in court records as 36-year-old Joseph A. Kane, is also charged with two counts of armed criminal action and unlawful use of a weapon in the shooting death of Carter McCollum, 23.
Kansas City police officers were called to the 7200 block of Wabash Avenue about 11:30 p.m. Dec. 24 to investigate the shooting. A man who had been shot, later identified as McCollum, was seen lying on the street near a car. He died from the injuries.
The victim’s girlfriend told police she was with McCollum at the time of the shooting. She alleged the two planned to meet with a man for a drug deal, according to a probable cause statement filed in Jackson County Circuit Court.
The witness said she drove her Toyota Prius with McCollum in the front passenger seat to a Texas Toms restaurant in the 6900 block of Prospect Avenue to meet the man. While they waited, the witness said she saw the man exit a nearby home, walk over to the Prius and get into the back seat. The three then drove to 69th Terrace and Olive Street to complete the transaction, court records stated.
At some point during the alleged deal, the witness said the suspect became agitated, got out of the Prius and began shooting into the car, according to court records.
The witness said she drove away, called police and stopped at 72nd Street and Wabash Avenue to wait for help. Bullet holes were found outside and inside the vehicle. The rear passenger window was shattered. At 69th Terrace and Olive Street, police found five spent .45 caliber shell casings and broken glass.
McCollum’s cellphone was located next to his body.
Cellphone records obtained by police showed the victim texting and calling a number thought to be used by the suspect, court records stated.
In a photo lineup, the witness identified Kane as the man who allegedly shot and killed the victim.
Kane was located outside a hotel in Overland Park on Jan. 6 and detained for questioning. He was taken to a holding facility at the Overland Park Police Department, where he declined to meet with detectives, according to court records. Kane then requested an attorney.
Public records do not yet list an attorney for Kane.
Kane remained in custody in Johnson County on Thursday. An arrest warrant has been issued in Jackson County, and bond has been set at $250,000.
