For Immediate Release

April 28, 2025

Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson today announced charges against a Grandview man in connection with a fatal shooting that took place earlier this year. 

Kaveon Cottonham, a SAVE KC client, faces 2nd Degree Murder, Armed Criminal Action, and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm. * If convicted, he faces 10 years to life in prison. 

According to court records, Kansas City police were dispatched to the 8700 block of East 63rd Street on Jan. 14 on a reported shooting and found the defendant lying on the pavement suffering from trauma. He was transported to an area hospital. A witness said the shooting occurred at an apartment near the 6400 block of Manchester Avenue. 

When officers arrived at the apartment, they found the victim suffering from apparent trauma in a bedroom. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. 

Detectives determined based on surveillance footage and witness reports that the defendant was in the apartment bedroom, striking the victim in the head, causing him to lose consciousness. A witness attempted to pull the defendant off the victim but was unable to do so. The defendant pulled a gun from the victim’s waistband and fired it into the victim’s face and then pointed the gun at the witness. The witness then fired at the defendant. The defendant was struck by gunfire and left the scene as the witness attempted to render aid to the victim. 

The defendant is being held with no bond. 

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

# # #

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