At a memorial held on Monday night in honor of Deshaun McKinzy, 29, who was shot and died in Kansas City last week, there were cries for justice.
Around 3:30 a.m. on June 16, authorities discovered McKinzy dead from gunshot wounds in the parking lot of the Walgreens at 3845 Broadway Blvd. Despite the intense heat on Monday, about fifty mourners congregated outside the pharmacy to pay tribute to McKinzy at the scene of his death.
KC Mothers in Charge, an advocacy group that helps the families of homicide victims, organized the vigil. Members of KC Mothers in Charge shifted the vigil against the store’s wall as automobiles filled the Walgreens parking lot with well-wishers when they discovered used needles lying around the curb.
According to earlier reports from the Star, police believe that a sizable crowd was present in the parking lot when the shooting occurred early on Sunday. Shortly after the incident, another man was brought to the hospital with non-life-threatening wounds.
Rosilyn Temple, the founder of KC Mothers in Charge, stated, “This young man didn’t get a chance.” “He wasn’t walking along these streets.” All he was doing was enjoying himself.
Beatrice McKinzy, McKinzy’s mother, cried gently as she spoke of her son Deshaun, who enjoyed fishing and had a close relationship with his sisters.
The Star’s research indicates that McKinzy’s death was the 70th homicide in Kansas City this year.
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According to Neatrice McKinzy, “My son was a star.” “He was just a people person; he was never troublesome.”
During the McKinzy vigil, temperatures rose to 100 degrees with a 105 heat index. Deshaun’s sister Samaysia McKinzy, however, remained calm and collected as she demanded that the inquiry into her brother’s killing move forward.
Samaysia McKinzy remarked, “I was there every time he called, no questions asked.” “And until we find out who killed my brother, I won’t sleep at all.”
The Kansas City Police Department reports that McKinzy’s killing is still unsolved. Temple asked the audience to come forward with any information they may have.
She also discussed the high rate of Black-on-Black killings in Kansas City. Missouri has had the highest rate of Black homicides nationwide for several years.
Both Deshaun McKinzy and Temple’s kid, who was shot and killed in 2011, were Black.
Friends and family launched blue, silver, black, red, and white balloons above the Walgreens, shouting their love for McKinzy.
While Temple guided the assembly in a peaceful prayer, McKinzy’s sister Glenisha held a picture of the 29-year-old set against a serene blue sky.
Glenisha McKinzy remarked, “He was a loner by choice.” “You guys hurt my heart, and justice is what we need.”
A tow truck started circling the Walgreens parking lot as the last heart balloon disappeared into the sky, scattering the mourners as fast as they had gathered.
On June 30, McKinzy’s funeral will take place at Serenity Funeral Home, located at 1101 Bannister Road. A memorial service is held at two o’clock, and visitation starts at one. The family of McKinzy is requesting that mourners abstain from donning “RIP” memorial T-shirts.
Juniper Calloway is a dedicated journalist with 3 years of experience in covering hard-hitting stories. Known for her commitment to delivering timely and accurate updates, she currently works with MikeandJon Podcast, where she focuses on reporting critical topics such as crime, local news, and national developments across the United States. Her ability to break down complex issues and keep audiences informed has established her as a trusted voice in journalism.
