KSHB 41 reporter Marlon Martinez covers Platte and Clay counties in Missouri. Share your story idea with Marlon.
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Investigators said Wednesday they believe the person who shot and killed Dennis Sharkey on Interstate 29 Friday night got out of his car and fired one round into Sharkey's car.
On Wednesday, the Greater Kansas City Crime Commission announced it had increased the reward for tips leading to an arrest in the case from $2,000 to $25,000.
👉 From $2K to $25K 👈
— Greater KC Crime Stoppers TIPS Hotline (@KCCrimeStop) January 15, 2025
Update on reward amount for information that leads to an arrest in this case!!@kcpolice @PlatteCoSheriff @kcmetrocrime @SheriffClayCo pic.twitter.com/t7ajkZc4Mu
Tuesday morning, the Platte County Sheriff's Office released more details of the victim's vehicle.
Law enforcement seek information from anyone who saw a white 2019 Chevrolet Spark around 6:30-7:00 p.m. Friday traveling southbound on I-29 near NW 72nd Street.
“It's frustrating with the lack of information and leads to work on. We're trying everything that we possibly can," said Capt. Jeffrey Shanks. "We're pulling camera footage from businesses. We're trying to work with the Scout cameras and everything else. But we're really trying to see what the public would have seen."
Sharkey got on I-29 from the Faucett entrance ramp and drove south on the interstate.
In addition to the sheriff's office, a Metro Squad was formed to add more detectives to the case.
The squad helped the Platte County Sheriff's Department but disbanded as fewer leads came in to investigate.
The 50-year-old Sharkey's murder marks Platte County's first homicide of the year. Violent crime is a topic Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd said would be a big focus in 2025.
“We've seen an increase in the amount of violent crime that is spreading from the urban core to the suburbs," Zahnd said. “If you're somebody who's coming to Platte County, just know this: we will come after you and we will do everything we can to bring justice if you hurt another person from Platte County.”
Last year, the county saw crime numbers trend up. Despite a busy start to the year, Zahnd assured community safety is the county's top priority.
“2025 is going to be a good year in Platte County. I'm confident of that because I'm confident we've got the sort of people who want to keep this community safe," Zahnd said.
If you have any details that could help in the investigation of Sharkey's death, you are asked to call the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-8477.
Sharkey's family has also set up a GoFundMe page to help with funeral expenses.
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