A troubling rise in gun-related violence over the weekend has deeply impacted those striving to make Kansas City a safer place.
One of those voices is Michelle “Shelly” Norris, co-founder of Corey’s Network, a nonprofit supporting families of homicide victims. She’s all too familiar with the emotional toll of senseless killings.
“This is not a normal situation,” Norris said. “Homicide numbers are surging.”
As of June 22, Kansas City has recorded 78 homicides, surpassing the totals seen during the same time in 2024, 2022, and 2021.
“This cannot become our norm,” she emphasized to KSHB 41 News.
Is Heat a Trigger? Exploring the Weekend’s Violence Surge
Norris believes the weekend’s deadly spike might partially be linked to the heat wave. The Kansas City area was under a Heat Advisory during the incidents.
However, she clarified that high temperatures aren’t the sole cause.
According to KCPD crime data, the underlying causes of this year’s homicides are disturbing:
- 14 deaths resulted from domestic violence
- 28 killings stemmed from arguments
“We need more resources for background investigations,” Norris noted. “This could help curb generational cycles of violence.”
She added, “How many children were present in homes where domestic abuse occurred? How many grew up believing that behavior is acceptable?”
Unsolved Murders and Intergenerational Trauma
Norris pointed out a grim statistic — since 1970, there have been over 750 unsolved homicides in Kansas City.
Her concern lies in the lack of funding to resolve cold cases, which she fears is contributing to a society conditioned to violence.
“Many of these unsolved cases have influenced new generations,” she warned. “We must first clean up unresolved cases, then equip communities with conflict resolution tools to avoid gun violence during disputes.”
Recent Homicide Scenes Shake Residents
Multiple areas across the city were rattled by violence, including:
- 19th and Vine, near a Juneteenth celebration
- The 3700 block of Flora
- Gregory Boulevard and Main Street
- The 4200 block of Linwood
One local resident near 19th and Vine told KSHB 41 that he heard gunfire late at night and opened his door to see frightened people seeking shelter.
He described the individuals involved as young and armed.
Another suggested that enforcing the curfew in the Vine District could help restore peace. A nearby woman added that police patrols are rare, except during emergency calls.
Mayor and Prosecutor Respond to Weekend Shootings
At a World Cup event on Sunday, Mayor Quinton Lucas addressed the situation.
“We’ve made progress in reducing nonfatal shootings, but the presence of guns at public events continues to be a major challenge,” he said.
The incident at 18th and Vine took place shortly after a Juneteenth celebration ended.
Meanwhile, Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson released a powerful statement condemning the surge in violence, urging community-wide action.
“Kansas City is full of people who care,” she said. “We want to shift from ‘Killer City’ to ‘Caring City’. It’s time for people to step out of their comfort zones and act.”
Next Steps: Leadership to Announce Action Plan
On Monday, city and law enforcement leaders — including Mayor Lucas, Prosecutor Johnson, City Manager Mario Vasquez, and KCPD Chief Stacey Graves — are scheduled to hold a press briefing outlining strategies to curb violence and foster community safety.
Kansas City is at a critical juncture as the community confronts escalating gun violence and its long-term effects.
With homicide numbers climbing, local leaders and advocates like Michelle Norris are calling for immediate action — from increased funding for investigations to conflict resolution programs and stricter community engagement.
The path forward requires unity, resources, and the courage to break the cycle of violence.