Marina
In a case that stunned Kansas City, Kansas, Lakevis L. Sloan has been handed a prison term exceeding 25 years for the 2023 shooting death of a 6‑year‑old boy, Sir’Antonio Brown. The case marks one of the most tragic incidents in recent years, prompting heartbreak, legal wrangling, and broad media coverage.
The Crime: What Happened
- The shooting took place on May 3, 2023, in Kansas City, Kansas, near Greeley Avenue and North 31st Street, while Sir’Antonio was playing outside his home.
- Witnesses and evidence indicate the vehicle Sloan was in passed the yard, turned around, then fired multiple shots into the area where the child was.
- Investigators say the shooters saw the child, yet still shot — showing disregard for human life.
- After the shooting, Sloan fled and evaded capture for over two weeks. He was eventually arrested with a 17‑year‑old accomplice as they disembarked a bus in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Plea, Charges & Sentencing
- In May 2025, Sloan pleaded guilty to second‑degree murder, aggravated assault, and aggravated child endangerment.
- The plea agreement allowed both sides to argue for a sentence in the range of 15 to 26 years.
- Though Sloan could have faced over 56 years in prison and fines up to $700,000, the negotiated plea lowered maximum exposure.
- The judge opted to impose the maximum within that agreed range, ordering consecutive sentences on the counts, resulting in over 25 years in prison.
- Prosecutors had pushed for maximum terms across all counts.
Personal Statements & Defense Arguments
- During the sentencing, the judge called the killing “unacceptable,” and poignantly stated that no mother should have to bury her child.
- Sir’Antonio’s mother testified, recalling her son’s final words: “I love you. Have a good day at work.”
- The defense sought leniency, pointing to Sloan’s challenging past and mental health issues: anxiety, impulse control disorder, ADHD, substance abuse.
- A psychologist testified that while Sloan suffered from disorders, he did know the difference between right and wrong.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | Sir’Antonio Brown, age 6 |
| Perpetrator | Lakevis L. Sloan |
| Date of Shooting | May 3, 2023 |
| Location | Kansas City, Kansas (North 31st & Greeley area) |
| Plea & Charges | Guilty plea to 2nd‑degree murder, aggravated assault, child endangerment |
| Plea Sentencing Range | 15 to 26 years |
| Actual Sentence | Over 25 years in prison, with consecutive terms |
| Fines Exposure (before plea) | Up to $700,000 |
| Accomplice | 17‑year‑old juvenile arrested with Sloan |
| Defense Focus | Mental health disorders, troubled childhood |
| Prosecution Argument | Video evidence, intended return to scene, multiple shots fired |
Broader Impact & Public Reaction
- The case drew significant attention in Kansas and Missouri, sparking debates about gun violence, child safety, and justice system consistency.
- For many in the community, it underscores vulnerabilities children face even in residential settings.
- The decision to deliver maximum consecutive sentences signals the judiciary’s stance that crimes against children will be met with severe punishment.
The sentencing of Lakevis Sloan to over 25 years in prison for the murder of 6‑year‑old Sir’Antonio Brown offers a measure of accountability but also a somber reminder of lives lost too soon.
While the defense highlighted mental health struggles, the judge and prosecutors emphasized the premeditated nature of the crime and the irreversible harm done.
For the bereaved family and community, this case represents both a tragic loss and a call for vigilance in reducing gun violence and protecting our most vulnerable.