For Immediate Release
June 9, 2025
Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson today announced felony charges against a Kansas City man in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred in May.
Zechariah Hoskins-Ellis faces 2nd Degree Murder, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, and one count of Unlawful Use of a Weapon. *
According to court records, Kansas City police were dispatched to the area of East 73rd Street and South Benton Avenue on May 16 on a shooting. They located the victim lying on the ground suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the head. He was transported to an area hospital where he was declared deceased on May 19.
Detectives determined, based on witness reports, that the victim and defendant had engaged in a verbal altercation outside a residence. The defendant then grabbed a firearm from his truck and then shot the victim in the head.
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