For Immediate Release

July 31, 2025

Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson today announced charges against a man in connection with a fatal shooting that took place in Kansas City’s northeast neighborhood last month. 

Hajji McDonald III faces 2nd Degree Murder/Felony Murder and Attempted Stealing. *

According to court records, Kansas City police were dispatched to the area of Winner Road and Hardesty Avenue on June 22 and located the victim suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. He later died at a nearby hospital. 

Security footage showed the victim attempting to steal a bag from a man outside a business and the defendant assisting the victim in knocking the man to the ground. During the struggle, the man pulled out a firearm. The defendant tried to grab the firearm, but the man gained control of the firearm, got back to his feet and the defendant fled. The victim still had a hold of the owner’s bag and ended up throwing the victim back to the ground. The man then fired at the victim. 

“Under Missouri law, if a death occurs during the commission of a felony, everyone involved in committing that felony can be charged with murder, even if they did not pull the trigger,” said Prosecutor Johnson. “While the man was legally defending himself, the defendant’s participation in the attempted theft makes him a responsible party for the resulting death.”

This is known as felony murder, where participants in serious crimes are held accountable for any deaths that occur during those crimes, regardless of who actually caused the death. 

 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