Marina
A Kansas City man has been formally charged after a security guard was shot outside a bar during a confrontation late on September 28, 2025.
The incident escalated in front of witnesses, involved multiple gunshots, and resulted in the suspect being wounded as well. Below is the full breakdown of what’s known so far.
What Happened: Chronology of the Bar Shooting
- Time & Location
- Around 2:10 a.m., police were called to Jambo Bar & Grill, near Holmes Road and Kenwood Avenue in south Kansas City.
- The bar is a nightlife spot; witnesses say a crowd was present when gunfire erupted.
- Victims & Wounds
- Krystian Davis, aged 25 and working as a security guard (bouncer), was shot in the chest and taken to hospital in critical condition.
- The suspect, later identified as Unique A. Cushon, was also wounded (gunshot wounds to the head and back) and transported to hospital.
- How the Shooting Unfolded
- Investigation indicates that Cushon initially left the bar, attempted to reenter, and was told by Davis (the guard) that he would have to pay to come back in. An argument followed.
- A third person reportedly retrieved a firearm from a vehicle and handed it to Cushon. Cushon then fired a shot into the air, before pointing the gun at Davis and others inside the bar.
- In self-defense, Davis is said to have returned fire, which struck Cushon. Cushon then fled the scene with a firearm in hand, as captured on surveillance video.
- Video evidence also records a man pulling a gun from his waistband, handing it to someone else, and then the crowd reacting as shots are fired.
- Aftermath & Arrest
- After his hospital release, Cushon was taken into custody. He denied having a gun or knowledge of the confrontation, claiming he only realized he was shot.
- Despite his denials, court filings cite security footage of him running from the scene with a weapon.
- Cushon is being held on a $75,000 bond (10% required). A bond review hearing is scheduled for October 7, 2025, and a preliminary hearing is set for October 27 at 1:00 p.m.
Charges & Legal Status
| Charge | Number of Counts | Description / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First-Degree Assault | 1 | Severe assault charge for harm caused to Davis |
| Unlawful Use of a Weapon | 1 | Use of firearm in unlawful manner |
| Armed Criminal Action | 2 | Two counts for use of a weapon during commission of a crime |
| Bond | — | $75,000 total; 10% to be posted for release |
| Preliminary Hearing | — | Scheduled Oct 27, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. |
If convicted under Missouri state law, these charges carry potentially life-long prison terms, particularly for the first-degree assault and armed criminal action counts.
Statements & Community Response
- Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson emphasized that Kansas City must remain safe, especially in its nightlife districts, in order to attract residents and businesses. She pledged efforts to curtail such violence.
- Authorities consider this a high-profile case, given the public nature of the shooting and the involvement of a security staffer.
- Surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts are key pieces of evidence in the prosecution’s case.
Legal Defenses & Disputes
- Cushon claims he had no gun and was not involved in any dispute at the bar; he says he was just hearing gunshots and only later recognized he was injured.
- He also stated that his alleged prior record (felony burglary) is inaccurate; court records so far have failed to confirm felony convictions preexisting this incident.
- The prosecution argues surveillance evidence, witness testimony, and the sequence of events contradict Cushon’s denials.
What to Watch Going Forward
- Outcome of the bond review hearing (Oct 7, 2025) and whether bond will be reduced or changed.
- The preliminary hearing (Oct 27, 2025), where prosecutors must present sufficient evidence to proceed to trial.
- Any additional charges or amendments added as investigations continue.
- How the defense argues his version of events versus the surveillance and witness evidence.
- Whether co-conspirators or the man who handed the gun to Cushon will also be charged or subpoenaed.
The shooting outside Jambo Bar & Grill in Kansas City has raised serious concerns about safety in nightlife zones.
With a security guard critically injured, a suspect wounded, and video evidence capturing the confrontation, the legal battle ahead promises challenges for both prosecution and defense.
As Unique Cushon remains in custody ahead of upcoming hearings, the case underscores broader debates on gun violence, public safety, and accountability in urban settings.