‘I just want somebody to talk’: KC mom of man killed in 2012 hopes for more information
Ten years after her son was killed in Kansas City, Tina Madge said she still needs the community’s help in bringing the suspect to justice.
Charles Bates, 24, was found fatally shot on March 26, 2012.
While a man was taken into custody, he was later released.
A key witness was unable to identify the man as the shooter so prosecutors dismissed the charges, said Mike Mansur, a spokesman for the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office.
Police believe the suspect they identified is the right person, said Kansas City police detective Scott Emery.
Madge and police hope someone will come forward with additional information so the case can be closed.
“I just want somebody to talk,” Madge said.
“To know that people out here know who did it — it’s wrong ... It’s not fair, it’s just not fair.”
Madge said she has a protective order against the suspect, but still sees him around the neighborhood.
“This has affected my family so much,” she said. “My son’s child, she was 15 months old and she lost her daddy. She’s still crying for her daddy.”
Emery urged community members who may have spoken with the man suspected in the shooting to report any information to police or use the Crime Stoppers tip line.
“We need just one little thing no matter how small it may be,” Emery said. “I think the suspect originally charged is absolutely responsible for this.”
Bates was shot while driving someone to a house near 80th and Brooklyn Ave. His vehicle was found with its engine running and the front right passenger door ajar. Police believe he exited from the driver’s side of the car. He was found inside a residence in the 8000 block of Brooklyn and rushed to a hospital where he died from his injuries.
Anyone with information may call the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-8477.
This story was originally published March 24, 2022 at 2:08 PM.
