For Immediate Release
April 8, 2025
Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson today announced a Kansas City man has been sentenced to 23 years in prison for a fatal shooting that took place in south Kansas City in 2023.
Dinsmore Baker pled guilty yesterday to 2nd Degree Murder, Armed Criminal Action, and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm. He received 18 years for 2nd Degree Murder and five years for Armed Criminal Action, which will run consecutively. He also received a five-year sentence for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, which will be served at the same time as the other two counts.
“While the victim in this case was not the defendant’s former partner, the tragic allegations show how domestic violence can extend beyond direct relationships and threaten others around the survivor. The defendant’s documented pattern of violent behavior is exactly why we are working to take a proactive approach with domestic violence cases,” said Prosecutor Johnson. “We will continue working with our law enforcement partners and service providers to address intimate partner violence from every angle, preventing devastating crimes like this one in our community.”
According to court records, Kansas City police were dispatched to East 85th Street and Holmes Road on June 15, 2023, on a sound of shots call. Witnesses told detectives the defendant shot into their vehicle and struck the passenger in the head, killing him. Witnesses said the defendant was an ex-boyfriend of the driver.
The defendant has a history of domestic assault, violating a protection order, and reported threatening, erratic, and violent behavior.
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney and Trial Team Leader Danielle Sediqzad 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