For Immediate Release
March 10, 2025
Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson today announced a Jackson County judge has sentenced a Kansas City man to 22 years in prison for the fatal shooting of another man that took place in 2023.
Derek Jones pleaded guilty last year to 2nd Degree Murder, Armed Criminal Action, Violating an Order of Protection, and 1st Degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child. With a 22-year total sentence cap, the judge sentenced the defendant to the total number of years requested by the state, which was the maximum authorized under the terms of the plea agreement: 19 years on 2nd Degree Murder, three years on Armed Criminal Action, one year on Violating an Order of Protection, and seven years on Endangering the Welfare of a Child.
“This sentence sends a strong message that domestic violence or violence in any form will never be tolerated in Jackson County,” said Prosecutor Johnson. “When the defendant chose violence that day, he forever changed the lives of six innocent children who witnessed an incident no child should ever have to see. I hope this case serves as a reminder that violence should never be a solution to conflict, and those who choose this path will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. My office continues to prioritize cases involving domestic violence and we will continue seeking justice for victims, while working to prevent future tragedies like this one.”
According to court records, Kansas City police responded to a shooting at the 8300 block of Highland Avenue on March 12, 2023. They encountered a male victim just inside the front door of a residence who was pronounced dead at the scene.
Witnesses identified the defendant as the shooter, stating he forced his way into the residence after a witness unlocked the door. The defendant then discharged his firearm multiple times at the victim before fleeing the scene. Six children, including the victim’s child and the defendant’s children, witnessed the entire incident.
Police located the defendant and took him into custody within roughly an hour of the shooting.
While the defendant had no prior felony convictions, he had a history of domestic violence and violating orders of protection. The witnesses had orders of protection against the defendant at the time of the fatal shooting.
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Claire Wyatt 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