For Immediate Release
February 11, 2025
A Jackson County judge sentenced a Kansas City man to 15 years in prison for shooting at an occupied home in South Kansas City last year, Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson announced today.
Last week, Marcus Bell pled guilty and was sentenced to the maximum sentence for an Unlawful Possession of a Firearm conviction under Missouri’s updated law, which now treats repeat firearm possession offenses by felons as Class B felonies, carrying sentences of five to 15 years. Under the updated law, which went into effect late last year, first-time offenses also increased from Class D felonies, which carry up to seven years in prison, to Class C felonies, which carry three to 10 years in prison.
“The new sentencing structure gives us the tools we need to keep dangerous, repeat gun offenders off Jackson County streets,” said Prosecutor Johnson. “Our community is at risk when individuals with prior felony convictions continue to illegally get their hands on firearms. The strengthened state law allows us to pursue sentences that reflect the severity of these repeat offenses.”
According to court records, Kansas City police were dispatched to a residence in South Kansas City on October 29 where they contacted the victim who said he was inside his house when he heard gunshots outside and then found bullet holes in the front of his house. No one was injured. Camera footage in the area captured the defendant shooting at the house and then leaving the scene.
The defendant has a history of felony convictions including robbery and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.
Assistant Prosecuting Attorneys John Gromowsky and John Chambers prosecuted the case on behalf of the state of Missouri.
Media Contact:
Jazzlyn Johnson
Director of Communications
Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office
415 E 12th Street
Kansas City, MO - 64106
(816) 929-1289
jazzlyn.johnson@jacksongov.org
https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com