For Immediate Release

February 21, 2025

Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson today announced charges in the fatal shooting that took place outside a South Kansas City convenience store earlier this month. 

Kevin L. Herring has been charged with 2nd Degree Murder and Armed Criminal Action. *

“The fatal shooting that took the life of someone so cherished in our community is inexcusable and has no place in Jackson County,” said Prosecutor Johnson. “Incidents like this one cause our community to come together to share their love and respect for the victim, who gave without hesitation and left a lasting impact on those around him. As we pursue justice for the victim, our thoughts remain with his family during this unimaginably difficult time.”

According to court records, Kansas City police were dispatched to a convenience store on the 8000 block of Hickman Mills Drive on Feb. 10 and found the victim deceased.   

Detectives determined, based on surveillance footage, that three suspects arrived at the convenience store in a white Ford Expedition. Surveillance footage inside the store showed two of the suspects, including the defendant, armed with firearms in plain view. One of the suspects appeared to have taken items without paying for them and then all the suspects exited the store and got back into the Expedition. The defendant was observed getting into the driver’s seat.

The victim then exited the store, approached the Expedition, and pointed a pistol toward the vehicle. The suspect returned the items to the victim through the window. 

The Expedition drove to exit the parking lot, and the victim walked back to the front of the store. As he approached the door, the Expedition stopped, and the defendant exited and shot in the direction of the victim multiple times. The front passenger also shot multiple times from the Expedition. The Expedition left the scene. 

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

*Charges are only accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until the defendant is either found guilty or pleads guilty.

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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