After Kansas City man’s death, mother seeks a local artist to memorialize him | Opinion
Almost a year has passed since Annisa Davis lost her son to gun violence. Austin Davis was only 26 when he was fatally shot during an altercation at a Kansas City convenience store last April.
As the parent of a murdered child killed by senseless gun violence, I could relate to Anissa in ways no parent should. So I approach this column with a sense of compassion and empathy reserved for grief-stricken mothers like Anissa.
Austin’s death was a major blow to his family, Anissa said. Austin, the oldest of five children, was the first boy born on his mother’s side in 44 years, she said. He left behind a young son, five-year-old Josiah Davis.
“Having him around was just …” Anissa said, before her voice trailed off. “His energy was always bright,” she continued.
Austin’s death left a hole in her heart that she said could never be filled. She was 16 when Austin was born.
“As he grew, I grew,” she said.
Austin died April 6, just one week after turning 26. On March 29, the family will gather to celebrate what would have been Austin’s 27th birthday. Anissa told me she has no interest in any memorials akin to a balloon release or a candlelight vigil.
Instead, the family seeks a talented local artist that would be willing to paint a mural with Austin’s likeness on it. Anissa said she wanted her son to be remembered as a kind, gentle soul taken away before his time.
Balloon releases and vigils are temporary, Anissa said. A painting is forever, she said. Anissa described Austin as smart, kind, humbled and proper — and deserving of a permanent memorial. After speaking with Austin’s family and learning more about how he lived, I’d agree. Austin deserved more than to be gunned down in front of a convenience store.
“He was a beautiful person with a beautiful smile that would light up a room,” Anissa said.
Altercation led to fatal shooting
A verbal and physical altercation between Austin and an unnamed employee of Xpress Mart at Gregory Boulevard and Prospect Avenue led to the fatal shooting, according to court records. The worker shot Austin once in the abdomen, court records show.
Although Austin was unarmed, a Jackson County grand jury declined to indict the unnamed gunman on criminal charges.
According to Mike Mansur, a former spokesman for then-Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker’s office, Missouri’s stand your ground law was a factor in the grand jury’s decision, The Star reported last year.
Because the family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the owner of Xpress Mart and two employees involved, Anissa was advised by family attorney David Smith not to comment on the legal matters pertaining to this case. Smith declined to comment as well.
But the lawsuit is making its way through the court system. Anissa said.
“There is no price that will ever replace my son,” she said. “Everything was stolen from me.”
Grandmother remembers Austin Davis
Matricia Davis, of Kansas City, is Austin’s grandmother. When we spoke, she described him as a very caring person who enjoyed fatherhood immensely.
“He is very into his son,” she said. “Having Josiah made him grow up even more. Every time they were together it was a magical time for them. He wanted to be the best father for his son. He really embraced fatherhood.”
Anissa, 43, said her father Annise Davis Jr. was killed in 1987 when she was a young girl. Having to grow up fatherless is something she said was difficult to process. To lose a son only adds to the grief she’s dealt with since her childhood.
“When Austin was born he filled a void for me,” she said. “I’m still really distraught. None of this makes sense. I’m stuck in a twilight zone. It’s been a nightmare. Now a child is fatherless and I am without one of my sons. I never saw my life without Austin.”
Austin graduated from Raytown South High School in 2016. In his obituary, Austin was described as an excellent student who showcased his athletic prowess in baseball, football, wrestling and mixed martial arts. As he got older, skateboarding became a hobby, according to his family.
“Austin was not just a participant in sports; he was a mentor and advocate for children facing the scourge of bullying, drawing from his own experiences of overcoming adversity,” Austin’s obituary reads. “He was a staunch believer in conflict resolution through dialogue, eschewing violence and embodying the spirit of a Gentle Giant.”
Matricia said the family would never be the same after Austin’s death.
“Austin is still a part of us and in our hearts but we’re never going to be the same,” she said.
If there are any artists interested in painting a mural to honor Austin Davis per his family’s request, please contact me at tporter@kcstar.com
