A tragic shooting near E. 87th Street and Blue Ridge Boulevard in Kansas City claimed the life of a 24-year-old man, identified as Dante Garth, on the evening of Thursday, December 5, 2024. The Kansas City Police Department (KCPD) has confirmed that no suspects are in custody at this time, and investigators are working diligently to piece together the events leading up to the deadly incident. The shooting, which took place just after 5 p.m., has left the community shocked and grieving as law enforcement calls for public assistance in solving the case.
According to the initial report from the Kansas City Police Department, officers were dispatched to the scene shortly after receiving a 911 call reporting gunfire in the area. Upon arriving at the location, police encountered a group of witnesses who directed them toward a vehicle where the victim was found. Garth was discovered unresponsive inside the vehicle with multiple gunshot wounds. First responders pronounced him dead at the scene. The area was immediately cordoned off as investigators began collecting evidence, speaking to witnesses, and searching for potential surveillance footage to aid in identifying the perpetrator or perpetrators responsible for the shooting.
Authorities have not released specific details about the events leading up to the shooting, but preliminary evidence suggests that the incident may have been targeted. Multiple witnesses reported hearing several gunshots before seeing individuals flee the scene, though descriptions of the suspect(s) remain inconsistent. A spokesperson for the KCPD stated, “We are following up on all leads and encourage anyone with information to come forward. Even the smallest detail could prove critical in bringing justice to this case.”
The victim, Dante Garth, has been described by family members and friends as a kind and hardworking individual who was deeply loved by those who knew him. Garth, who recently celebrated his 24th birthday, was known for his passion for music and his dream of pursuing a career in the entertainment industry. He worked as a part-time delivery driver while taking classes at a local community college to hone his skills in audio engineering. “Dante was a dreamer, but he also had the work ethic to make those dreams come true,” said his cousin, Marcus Hill. “He didn’t deserve this. Our family is heartbroken.”
Family members gathered near the scene of the shooting on Friday to honor Garth’s memory, lighting candles and placing flowers as a makeshift memorial began to take shape. Garth’s mother, Carla Davis, expressed her grief and frustration, pleading for answers. “I just want to know why,” she said through tears. “Why would someone take my son from me? He had his whole life ahead of him.”
The shooting marks yet another incident of gun violence in Kansas City, a city that has faced increasing challenges with violent crime over the past several years. As of December 2024, the city has recorded over 160 homicides, a number that reflects a slight decrease from the previous year but still underscores the urgent need for solutions to address the root causes of violence. Mayor Quinton Lucas, who has been vocal about the city’s efforts to combat gun violence, released a statement on Friday condemning the tragedy and offering his condolences to Garth’s family. “Another life lost to senseless violence is one too many,” Lucas wrote. “We remain committed to working with law enforcement, community leaders, and residents to create safer neighborhoods for everyone.”
Community advocates and activists have echoed the mayor’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of addressing systemic issues such as poverty, lack of education, and limited access to mental health resources, all of which contribute to the city’s crime rates. “We can’t just focus on reactive measures like policing,” said Erica James, director of the Kansas City Violence Prevention Coalition. “We need to invest in preventive measures that give young people alternatives to crime and violence. That means better schools, job training programs, and community centers where kids can feel safe and supported.”
The location of Thursday’s shooting, near E. 87th Street and Blue Ridge Boulevard, is a mixed-use area that includes residential neighborhoods, small businesses, and a busy intersection. While not typically considered a high-crime area, residents have expressed concerns about increasing incidents of violence in recent months. “It’s getting scary out here,” said Michael Rodriguez, a local shop owner who heard the gunfire from his store. “You never think it’s going to happen this close to home until it does.”
As the investigation continues, law enforcement is urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward, emphasizing that tips can be submitted anonymously through the Kansas City Crime Stoppers hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477). In addition to tip submissions, police are reviewing footage from traffic cameras and security systems in the vicinity in hopes of identifying a suspect or vehicle associated with the crime. “Every piece of evidence matters,” said Detective Sarah Nguyen, one of the lead investigators on the case. “We won’t stop until we find answers for Dante’s family.”
The broader implications of this incident extend beyond the immediate grief and loss felt by Garth’s loved ones. It serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive issue of gun violence in the United States, where firearm-related deaths remain a leading cause of mortality. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 45,000 Americans die from gun-related injuries each year, with a significant portion of those deaths resulting from homicides. Advocates for gun control have seized upon tragedies like this one to call for stricter legislation, including universal background checks and restrictions on the sale of high-capacity magazines.
Opponents of such measures, however, argue that the focus should be on enforcing existing laws and addressing societal factors that contribute to crime. “This isn’t just about guns; it’s about people and the choices they make,” said John Aldridge, a spokesperson for the Missouri Gun Owners Association. “We need to hold criminals accountable and ensure that law-abiding citizens can protect themselves.”
For now, the focus remains on bringing justice to Dante Garth and his grieving family. As they prepare for his funeral, scheduled for next week, loved ones are rallying around each other for support, determined to honor Garth’s memory by sharing his story and advocating for an end to the violence that claimed his life. “We can’t let this be just another statistic,” said Garth’s aunt, Denise Carter. “Dante’s life mattered. He was loved, and he will be missed.”
In the meantime, the community continues to grapple with the aftermath of this senseless tragedy, holding onto hope that those responsible will be brought to justice and that meaningful change can be achieved to prevent future loss of life. As Kansas City mourns the loss of yet another promising young man, the call for unity and action grows louder, resonating across neighborhoods, city halls, and beyond.
