A 21-year-old Kansas City man, Isaiah Francis, is facing serious charges in connection with a deadly road rage shooting that occurred in November 2024.
The incident, which took place near 75th Street and The Paseo, resulted in the death of 66-year-old Dennis Griffin. The suspect has been charged with second-degree murder and armed criminal action following the tragic shooting.
Details of the Incident
According to court documents, the shooting occurred on the evening of Friday, November 8, 2024, around 6 p.m. Officers responded to reports of a shooting at 75th Street and The Paseo.
Upon arrival, they found Griffin unresponsive and slumped over in the driver’s seat of his green GMC Sierra. It was soon confirmed that he had sustained a gunshot wound. Griffin was rushed to Research Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.
Witness Account
A witness, who was driving south on Swope Parkway at the time of the incident, provided a detailed statement to detectives. She described seeing the suspect vehicle speeding aggressively through traffic.
The witness recalled that the road rage between the victim and the suspect was very evident, noting that she maintained a safe distance between her car and the two others.
As the two vehicles neared the intersection of 75th and Paseo, the victim reportedly cut off the suspect’s vehicle. The witness described how the suspect then drove up to the passenger side of the victim’s vehicle and fired four to five shots into the truck.
The suspect continued driving south on Paseo, while the witness immediately pulled over and called 911 to report the incident.
Charges and Arrest
Following an investigation, police identified Isaiah Francis as the suspect in the shooting. Francis was arrested on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, and is currently being held in the Jackson County Jail on a $150,000 bond.
He faces charges of second-degree murder and armed criminal action. The authorities are continuing their investigation into the case, and further legal proceedings are expected.
Key Details of the Case
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | November 8, 2024 |
| Location | 75th Street and The Paseo, Kansas City |
| Victim | Dennis Griffin, 66 years old |
| Suspect | Isaiah Francis, 21 years old |
| Charges | Second-degree murder, Armed criminal action |
| Bond | $150,000 |
| Police Response | 911 call made, suspect arrested April 8, 2025 |
Possible Motive: Road Rage
According to the witness, the shooting stemmed from an aggressive road rage incident between the victim and the suspect.
The witness emphasized how the two vehicles were involved in noticeable road rage, with the suspect speeding and driving aggressively through traffic. The incident escalated when the victim allegedly cut off the suspect’s vehicle, leading to the fatal shooting.
Legal Process and Pending Investigation
Isaiah Francis is currently facing serious charges that carry severe penalties if convicted. He remains in custody while legal proceedings unfold.
The case has drawn attention to the dangers of road rage and the tragic consequences it can lead to. As the investigation continues, further details will be revealed, and the legal system will determine the outcome.
The fatal shooting of Dennis Griffin is a tragic reminder of the dangers posed by road rage incidents. The legal proceedings against Isaiah Francis are just beginning, and it is important that the justice system works to address the consequences of such reckless and violent behavior.
As the case develops, it will serve as a significant point of reflection on how road rage can escalate and lead to irreversible consequences.