For Immediate Release
Oct. 14, 2023

A Blue Springs man now faces 13 felony charges, including murder and assault, for violent attacks late last month in Independence, MO, Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker announced today.

Tyler Christopher Rizer faces Murder 2nd Degree, two counts of Assault 1st Degree, four counts of Armed Criminal Action, two counts of Assault 3rd Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Stealing a Motor Vehicle and Leaving the Scene of an Accident and Vehicle Hijacking.* Soon after the attacks on Sept. 29, Jackson County prosecutors charged the defendant with Assault 1st Degree and Armed Criminal Action. This amended complaint adds 11 new felony charges. 

According to court records, the defendant chased down the victim and stabbed the victim multiple times. Then the defendant ran into the back yard of a residence and grabbed two juveniles, threatening them until a family member pulled them away from him. Another family member confronted the defendant, who shot and killed the man. He shot another victim in the chest. The suspect stole a car and was involved in a hit-and-run accident in Kansas City. He then attempted to carjack another car. 

The case remains under investigation and other charges may be possible.

The defendant is being held on a $500,000 cash-only bond. 

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