For Immediate Release
February 26, 2025
Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson today announced the conviction of an Independence man of a felony related to threatening two people with a knife while he was on parole for a previous Kansas Involuntary Manslaughter conviction.
A Jackson County jury convicted Zachary Arnold of Unlawful Use of a Weapon, a Class E felony yesterday. The range of punishment for a Class E felony is imprisonment for a term of not less than one year and not to exceed four years.
According to court records, Independence police responded to a park regarding an assault and contacted two victims who said the defendant was living at their residence and made several threats to harm them. The victims moved out of their residence as the defendant’s behavior became more erratic. When the victims visited their residence to feed their animals, the defendant brandished a large silver bladed knife and pointed it at the victims.
The defendant was on parole after being convicted of Involuntary Manslaughter for killing his father in 2019.
“This verdict sends a clear message that Jackson County will not tolerate violent behavior, especially for those who were given a second chance and released early through the parole system,” said Prosecutor Johnson. “Let this also be a reminder that threatening someone with any weapon—even a knife—is a serious crime that can result in prison time. Our office remains committed to holding violent offenders accountable and keeping our community safe.”
Trial Team Leader Kelsey Blackwell prosecuted the case on behalf of the state of Missouri.
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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