Questions follow ex-Raytown officer, off the force after fatal shooting | Opinion

A former Raytown police officer who fatally shot Kenneth Williams Jr. outside a QuikTrip in November 2024 is no longer with the department. A wrongful death lawsuit alleges the shooting was unjustified and violated department policy. However, in an email, Burnette’s defense attorney, Steve Coronado, wrote that Burnette followed proper protocol when he fatally shot Williams. Coronado declined to comment on the reason Burnette left the force.

“Because this matter involves ongoing litigation, unfortunately it is not possible to fully respond to the questions you ask,” Coronado wrote May 5. “What we know and can state is the actions taken by former officer Burnette and others to prevent a terrorist bombing were in full compliance with their training and department policy.”

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Here are key takeaways:

• Dallas Burnette’s last day with the Raytown Police Department was Oct. 2, 2025, according to city clerk Teresa Henry. He had served as a corporal since Nov. 8, 2020.
• Burnette shot Williams, 32, of Grandview, seven times outside the QuikTrip at 8733 East 63rd St. on Nov. 9, 2024, according to a wrongful death lawsuit filed by Williams’ mother, Cecelia Wilson.
• Jackson County prosecutors announced no criminal charges would be filed against Burnette one day after his departure from the department.
• The lawsuit alleges Burnette was the only one of four Raytown officers on the scene to fire his weapon, shooting Williams as he attempted to enter his vehicle’s driver’s door.
• Prosecutors said Williams had made threats about having explosives in his vehicle, but his family contends he possessed only fireworks and cleaning equipment.
• John Picerno, attorney for Williams’ family, called Burnette’s actions “reckless, unreasonable, and unjustified.” Attempts to reach Burnette for comment were unsuccessful. “It would be greatly appreciated if you would cease attempts to contact Mr. Burnett’s family and respect their privacy as this litigation moves forward,” Coronado wrote in an email. “Any questions you have can be referred to me.”
• A Missouri database tracking revoked or surrendered police licenses did not include Burnette’s name as of late March, meaning he could potentially work in another jurisdiction. According to Mike O’Connell, a spokesman for the Missouri Department of Public Safety, Burnette’s police license is still valid.
• “Records show Dallas Burnette has a valid Class A peace officer license and is not commissioned by any law enforcement agency,” O’Connell wrote in an email May 5.

The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and updated and edited by journalists. See the full story in the link at the top.