KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A law that took 13 years to pass is now being used to prosecute celebratory gunfire cases in Jackson County.
Blair's Law was signed by Missouri Gov. Mike Parson last summer.
The law created stricter penalties for celebratory gunfire. It's now a misdemeanor or felony offense to recklessly discharge a firearm within city limits.
It was named after Blair Shanahan-Lane, an 11-year-old girl who was killed by celebratory gunfire on July 4, 2011.
If you ever have a conversation with Michele Shanahan-DeMoss, she will remind you that she's still Blair's mom.
"I have had this song going in my head for the past month," Shanahan-DeMoss said. "I'm not going to sing it, but it says, 'Let me reintroduce myself.'"
Shanahan-DeMoss said she's been taking the time to make sure she's healthy and happy.
Her daughter, Blair, would've turned 25 years old this year. She only got to spend a fraction of those years with her.
"I look at it as she is still part of the good part of things, the difference maker, the change that is necessary," Blair's mother said.
For the past several months, that change has been seen in Jackson County, with cases being prosecuted as recently as this week.
"Indiscriminate gunfire in this community certainly has to cease," said Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.
The Jackson County Prosecutor's Office has charged 10 cases under Blair's Law since January for unlawful discharge of a firearm.
Before Blair's Law, the offense was only a misdemeanor ordinance violation in Kansas City.
"As Michele Shanahan-DeMoss, Blair's mother, knows unfortunately all too well ... what goes up must come down," Johnson said. "Her child, Blair, so young, was taken far too soon."
Blair's mother continues to educate and speak to young people about using guns responsibly.
While it might be an offender's first introduction to Blair's Law, 14 years later, it's accountability for the family behind it.
"Very early on, I made a commitment. She (Blair) is, without any doubt, still my daughter. She is still Blair, and I will show up. Keep showing up," Shanahan-DeMoss said.
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KSHB 41 reporter Alyssa Jackson covers portions of Johnson County, including Overland Park, Prairie Village and Leawood. Share your story idea with Alyssa.
