GRANDVIEW, Mo. — Police and the family of 20-year-old Jaylen Blackmon said he was shot and killed over a pair of shoes.
Grandview police went to a home near 132nd Terrace and Overhill Road just after 9 p.m. Sunday night. Officers found Blackmon dead on the sidewalk from an apparent gunshot wound.
Blackmon's family told 41 Action News he and his girlfriend went to meet a teenage boy outside the house to buy some shoes. They said Blackmon realized the shoes might be fakes, but when he tried to get his money back the boy shot and killed him.
Blackmon's family released the following statement to 41 Action News:
“Our family and friends are devastated over the lose of such a beautiful, loving young man. There are no words to adequately express the heartache we are walking through at this time. Jaylen was the most tender hearted, caring, fun loving and joyful people you could ever meet. He was a friend to everyone and a best friend to all his siblings. Loved by His dad, mom, step mom, step dad, siblings, cousins, grand parents, aunts, uncles, girlfriend, church and so many more. Jaylen has always loved cars, basketball, music and to make those around him laugh. He was a complete goofball and would light up a room. This senseless murder is a huge and devastating lose to our family and so many more. The only comfort we have is knowing that he is with Jesus.”
The family established a GoFundMe page to help with funeral expenses.
Anyone with information is asked to call the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-8477.
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