The KCK community has been left with a heavy heart after a mother of three was shot and killed in a drive-by shooting Tuesday morning.
According to officials, Natasha Hays was sleeping in her bed when someone drove by her home and fired numerous bullets into the residence.
Police were called to the 2400 block of North 9th Street in Kansas City, Kansas, around 3:45 a.m. Three other people were in her home at the time of the shooting, and at least one of them was her child.
"There's been a lot of that lately. Every time I look up there's been somebody getting killed," Janice Miller, one of Hays’ former coworkers, said.
Those who did know her described Hays as sweet and hard working. A group of people stayed outside Hays' house for hours, mourning her death.
Family and friends gathered together for a moment of prayer at the crime scene.
#family & #friends pray outside of the shooting victim's home in #Kck - woman was mom of 3 @41ActionNews pic.twitter.com/Bc5N4XQZcn
— Belinda Post (@Belinda_Post) August 30, 2016
41 Action News talked to Benard Crawford, Hays' cousin, about the moment he got the news.
"It took me an hour to really process it because I didn't expect this to happen to her. She's a real good girl. A great mother. She worked hard," Crawford said.
41 Action News also talked to community advocate Kendon McClaine about the lack of a suspect in the case.
"Somebody knows," he said.
McClaine is part of the group I Am A Man, encouraging people in KCK to speak up because, "The police aren't on duty in every neighborhood 24 hours a day but the community is."
Call 913-396-8232 for the group's anonymous tip line.
41 Action News was told Hays worked as a nurse aide and ran supplies for the Life Care Center of Kansas City.
The center released a statement:
“The residents and associates of Life Care Center of Kansas City are shocked and heartbroken by the tragic death of our team member and friend last night. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family as they go through the difficult days and weeks ahead.
Grief counseling and bereavement services are being provided for residents and associates at the facility.
At Life Care Center of Kansas City, we are a family. Our dedicated caregivers work very hard to make this center one that is known for its professionalism and compassion in the delivery of service to our residents. We remain focused on that mission today and every day.
– Michelle Nichols, Executive Director”
Police do not have a lot of information on a possible suspect. If you have any information about this case, please call the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477).
Hays is the 25th homicide victim in KCK in 2016.
On Wednesday, singer Janelle Monae tweeted that Hays was her cousin.
Gun violence has struck home. My beautiful 1st cousin was murdered. She was a mother of 3. Loved by her community. #NatashaHays #sayhername
— Janelle Monáe, Cindi (@JanelleMonae) August 31, 2016
#KansasCity #Gunviolence is still keeping our city in a dark place. The fear of "who is next?" never leaves. Praying4more light. Help us.
— Janelle Monáe, Cindi (@JanelleMonae) August 31, 2016
Nobody deserves to lose their mother, sister, cousin, friend, etc to the hands of evil. Evil has no race. #Gunviolence #NatashaHays
— Janelle Monáe, Cindi (@JanelleMonae) August 31, 2016
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