Man’s death classified as homicide after medical examiner report
Update: The Kansas City Police Department identified the man as 50-year-old Derek Harrison, department spokesperson Sgt. Phillip DiMartino said.
A man who was found deadMonday on Independence Avenue died from apparent gunshot wounds, officials said.
Just before 6 a.m. Monday, patrol officers with the Kansas City Police Department were dispatched to the 3200 block of Independence Avenue on a medical call, department spokesperson Sgt. Phillip DiMartino said in a press release Tuesday.
At the scene, officers located a man with “no signs of life,” DiMartino said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
A preliminary investigation could not determine the cause of death, DiMartino said.
On Tuesday, the Jackson County Medical Examiner’s Office determined the man had wounds consistent with being struck by gunfire, DiMartino said. The case is now being investigated as a homicide.
Investigators are continuing to canvass the area for potential witnesses and surveillance footage, according to the press release.
The man’s death marks the 113th homicide in Kansas City in 2025, compared to 112 at this time last year, according to data tracked by The Star; which includes police-involved shootings.
Anyone with information regarding the man’s death can contact homicide detectives at 816-234-5043 or the anonymous TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS. A reward of up $25,000 may be available for information submitted through the TIPS hotline.
This story was originally published September 9, 2025 at 8:37 PM.
