For Immediate Release
October 23, 2025
Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson today announced charges against a Kansas City, Kansas man in connection to a fatal shooting that occurred in June.
William E. Sipple faces one count of 2nd Degree Murder, one count of Armed Criminal Action, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and one count of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm. *
According to court records, Kansas City police were dispatched to Truman Road and Prospect Avenue on June 15 regarding a shooting and located the victim suffering from apparent trauma. After additional investigation, it was determined the actual shooting occurred in a parking lot near 19th and Vine Street. On June 30, the victim was pronounced deceased.
Based on surveillance footage and witness reports, a disturbance broke out in a parking lot near 19th and Vine. A black Chevrolet truck drove up to the parking lot and stopped near the disturbance. Shots were fired and the victim was struck. The shooter was later identified as the defendant.
The defendant is being held on a $300,000 cash-only 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