Monroe Mitchell Obituary, Death; – Authorities are on the lookout for a man from Kansas City who is alleged to have fatally shot his mother’s boyfriend over the weekend.
Records from the Jackson County, Missouri, Circuit Court, submitted on Tuesday, July 29, reveal that Lee W. Burks III, aged 30, from Kansas City, has been charged with murder.
A probable cause statement from the Kansas City Police Department disclosed that at approximately 7:20 p.m. on Sunday, July 27, emergency services were summoned to the vicinity of E. 18th and Prospect Ave. due to reports of a shooting. They later discovered that the incident occurred nearer to Benton Blvd.
When first responders arrived, they found a man, later identified as 45-year-old Monroe Mitchell, lying face down on the ground to the east of the gas station. Emergency personnel reported that Mitchell had sustained significant trauma to his head and body. A medic from the Kansas City Fire Department confirmed his death.
Several witnesses informed investigators that they heard multiple gunshots but did not witness the event. They ultimately located Mitchell in the grass adjacent to the gas station.
However, one witness stated that he did observe the shooting.
This witness indicated that the suspect, later recognized as Burks, approached the victim and shot him multiple times. According to the witness, Mitchell attempted to flee but stumbled before rolling down a hill. He observed Burks firing several shots at the victim’s head before fleeing east on Benton Blvd.
Investigators noted that security footage from the gas station captured a black Chevrolet Malibu arriving and parking in front of the establishment. Burks was then seen exiting the vehicle and entering the store, where he wandered around before leaving shortly thereafter.
The security footage showed Burks re-entering his car and driving south on Benton Blvd. However, a second camera recorded the crime as described by the witness. During the investigation, the KCPD reported that detectives discovered Mitchell had been in a relationship with Burks’ mother. She confirmed Burks as the suspect in the security footage and identified the vehicle seen at the gas station as belonging to him.
As a result, Burks has been charged with murder in the second degree, two counts of armed criminal action, illegally discharging a firearm and unlawful possession of a firearm. If convicted, he could be sentenced to up to life in prison.
Court documents noted that a warrant was issued for Burks’ arrest on Tuesday with the condition that no bond be allowed. As of Wednesday afternoon, Burks had not been taken into custody. A hearing yet to be set. No further information has been released.
