Police identify man who died in Sunday’s 7th Heaven shooting

Kansas City police have released the name of the 26-year-old man who died Sunday from a self-inflicted gunshot in an apparent murder-suicide as Desmond Bell.

Police said Bell fatally shot Cheri Bland, 29, of Kansas City and then turned the gun on himself at the 7th Heaven store at 7621 Troost Ave. The two had been in a domestic relationship.

More than 20 officers converged on the scene following reports that an active shooter was in the area.

Officers found Bland dead on the floor inside the store with several gunshot wounds. Bell was also found dead.

A customer said that before the shootings, a man entered and was told he didn’t belong there and had to leave. Witnesses heard a scream before an estimated 12 to 15 shots were fired.

Several relatives of Bland’s arrived a short time later. Bland was the city’s ninth domestic violence homicide of the year.

On Thursday, relatives called for an end to domestic violence during a rally held outside of the 7th Heaven store.

This story was originally published September 2, 2016 at 11:48 AM with the headline "Police identify man who died in Sunday’s 7th Heaven shooting."