Balloons representing the 109 victims of homicide in Kansas City Missouri during 2015 were released into the air as grieving loved ones asked for the violence to end.
“Only thing I can say is stop. Why? I mean what is the reason for it? What was the reason? He didn’t have nothing. He didn’t have $30 in his pockets so what was the reason for setting up and killing him?” said Stephanie Woolridge.
Woolridge’s son James Williams was murdered January 18th. He was the second son of Woolridge’s murdered in a two-year time frame.
“I’m just asking everyone to come forth. Tell the truth. That’s all I’m asking for, the truth. Go to the police department and tell the truth,” said Woolridge.
William’s death is one of 42 homicides in 2015 yet to be solved.
“Someone knows. More than one person knows. And so we’re just asking to do the right thing, because it could be your loved one. It could be your brother, your sister, your son. It most definitely can,” said Natasha Flemons.
Flemons 18-year old son Devin was killed by gunfire through a window while he was holding an infant according to his mother who says the violence won’t end until the community takes responsibility.
“Not until the community decides that we are going to stand up and take a stand. We have to save our children. Enough is enough,” said Flemons. “109 different families that are hurting: Mothers, brothers, fathers, sisters, grandmothers, aunts, uncles, school teachers. Enough is enough.”
Some statistics on KC's 2015 murder rate|
- 7 murder victims in 2015 were under the age of 17 (compared to 4 in 2014)
- 91 homicides were committed with a firearm
- Domestic Violence and arguments were the motivation behind 45 homicides
Some high profile killings in 2015|
- 3YO Amorian Hale
- Triple Homicide (1YO Joseph Fletcher, Bianca Fletcher, 18 & Shannon Rollins, 18)
- KCFD Firefighters Larry Leggio & John Mesh
2015 marks the highest murder rate for Kansas City since 111 homicides in 2011 and a 35 percent increase from 2014.
2014’s 81 murders in KCMO was the lowest in the city in nearly four decades.
The first murder of 2015 came 10 days into the year. Sadly, 2016 is picking up where the upward trend from the previous year left off.
Less than three hours into 2016, two people were shot in the 5100 block of East 112th Terrace on January 1st, one victim did not survive.
The yet-to-be identified victim is the first murder in KCMO of 2016.
First group of 2015 #kc murder victims names read, balloons w/ their names released. pic.twitter.com/OYpp0iQvQS
— Brian Abel (@BrianAbelTV) January 1, 2016
This group includes 3YO Amorian Hale - gunned down in a drive-by while sleeping in his room. pic.twitter.com/HfP9FfKvm7
— Brian Abel (@BrianAbelTV) January 1, 2016
Some names on this balloon group: Shannon Rollins, Bianca & Joseph Fletcher - victims of #KC 2015 triple homicide pic.twitter.com/3r5Xztyf1t
— Brian Abel (@BrianAbelTV) January 1, 2016
Larry Leggio - John Mesh #kc 2015 homicide victims vigil. #istandwithkcfd pic.twitter.com/4tH7GHU6K7
— Brian Abel (@BrianAbelTV) January 1, 2016
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Brian Abel can be reached at brian.abel@kshb.com.
