For Immediate Release

July 30, 2025

Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson today announced charges against a Kansas City man for a fatal shooting that took place near East 18th Street and Benton Boulevard on Sunday. 

Lee Burks faces 2nd Degree Murder, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, Discharge/Shoot Firearm at or from Motor Vehicle/Shoot at Person, Another Motor Vehicle, Or Building, and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm. *

According to court records, Kansas City police were dispatched to an area near East 18th Street and Benton Boulevard on July 27 and located the victim lying on the ground with severe trauma to the head and body. He was confirmed deceased at the scene. 

Detectives reviewed surveillance footage from a nearby gas station, which showed a black vehicle arriving and parking at the gas station. A male, later identified as the defendant, exited the vehicle and entered the gas station. He walked around the store and left a short time later. Another camera angle showed the victim falling down the hill near the gas station. The defendant can then be seen walking up to him and firing multiple rounds at the victim, then fleeing.  

The defendant is being held without 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