2023 now surpasses 2020 for the deadliest year in Kansas City’s history.
In Kansas City, there have been more homicides in 2023 than in any previous year. This milestone was reached on Friday with a fatal shooting and the announcement of death from a gunshot wound the day before. There have been 184 killings this year, including fatal police shootings.
The previous record for most homicides in one year was in 2020, with 182 killings. However, the Kansas City Police Department reports only 181 homicides, as they do not include two police shootings that resulted in deaths.
As of Dec. 29, there have now been 184 killings in Kansas City this year, according to data tracked by The Star, which includes fatal police shootings. Previously, 2020 was considered the city’s deadliest year ever recorded, when there had been 182 killings.
Mayor Quinton Lucas has noted an increase in homicide numbers and a decrease in nonfatal shootings in 2023. Many of the victims are men between the ages of 18 and 34, and a majority are Black.
According to the Kansas City Police Department, there have been 181 homicides in the city this year. KCPD’s total excludes a police shooting in May that killed 40-year-old Tyrone L. Payne and another in June, when an officer allegedly killed Marcell T. Nelson and Kristen Fairchild, both 42.
Mayor KC: Twitter
Attending the final KCPD Shoot Review of the year. Some trends have gone in the right direction, as nonfatal shootings are down this year compared to last, while others, like homicides, have reached new highs. We are working collaboratively to build a safer city in 2024.
The concerning thing that stands out is 88 total attributed to domestic violence or arguments (22 for DV, and 66 for arguments), with another 45 unknown. Essential we protect victims of DV and teach others in arguments to walk away.
