Marina
A quiet Sunday morning in Kansas City turned tragic when two men were shot and killed outside a grocery store in the 6800 block of Longview Road. The Kansas City Police Department responded to a shooting just after 7:00 a.m..
What began as an apparent argument escalated into a double homicide. This article lays out the full timeline, what is known so far, what investigators say, and what remains uncertain.
What Happened- Key Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| When | Just after 7:00 a.m., Sunday morning |
| Where | 6800 block of Longview Road, Kansas City, at El Mercado Fresco / grocery store |
| Victim 1 | Found shot at the front of the store; died at the scene |
| Victim 2 | Found in the parking lot with gunshot wounds; hospitalized; died shortly before 9:00 a.m. |
| Number of Homicides This Year | Marks the 115th & 116th homicides in Kansas City for the year, compared to 116 at same time last year |
| Arrests | No one in custody as of the latest reports |
| Cause | Believed to have followed an interaction / argument outside the store just before shots were fired |
| Witnesses / Evidence | Investigators canvassing the scene, collecting witness statements, reviewing surveillance footage |
| Reward Offered | Up to $25,000 for anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers or tips hotline |
Detailed Account
1. Early Morning Call & Arrival
Around 7:00-7:10 a.m., the Kansas City Police Department (KCPD) received a call reporting gunfire or a shooting outside the grocery store.
Officers arrived to find one man shot at the front entrance. First responders attempted life-saving efforts, but he was declared dead on the spot.
2. Second Victim & Hospitalization
A second man was located a little later in the parking lot, suffering from gunshot wounds. He was transported to a hospital in an ambulance with life-threatening injuries.
By around 9:00 a.m., authorities confirmed he too had died from his injuries.
3. What Led to the Shooting
Preliminary information from police indicates there was an argument or interaction between multiple people outside the store leading up to the shots being fired.
However, the exact nature of that altercation—who was involved, what triggered it—is still under investigation.
4. Ongoing Investigation
- Detectives are canvassing the area for physical evidence, including shell casings or other crime scene material.
- Surveillance footage from the store and surrounding businesses is being reviewed.
- Witnesses who saw or heard anything have been asked to come forward.
- The store, El Mercado Fresco, has temporarily closed for the rest of Sunday. It stated an employee was among the victims, though identity has not yet been released.
Context & Statistics
- This double homicide brings the year’s homicide count in Kansas City to 115-116 (both numbers depending on counting method), roughly matching the number from the same period last year.
- The address — 6800 Longview Road — is within the city’s southern sector; early morning shootings near commercial areas often raise concerns about public safety during opening hours.
- The reward for actionable tips (up to $25,000) reflects the seriousness and community desire for resolution.
What Is Known, What Is Not
What is known:
- Two men died.
- They were shot outside that grocery store.
- One died immediately, the other after being transported.
- No arrests yet.
- Investigators believe an argument preceded the shooting.
What is not yet known:
- Identities of the victims.
- The full cause or motive of the conflict.
- Whether this was random or personal.
- Who fired the shots.
- How many people were involved.
Community & Store Response
- El Mercado Fresco posted that one of their employees was among the deceased and that they would be closed for the day, reopening the next day.
- Local residents and shoppers were shocked; some called for increased lighting, security, or patrols near businesses.
- Police are reminding anyone with information to use the TIPS hotline or contact homicide detectives directly.
The morning shooting at a Kansas City grocery store on Longview Road left two men dead and an entire community shaken. While facts are still emerging, what is clear is that the incident began with an argument, escalated quickly, and resulted in tragedy before sunrise.
Authorities are working to uncover the full story, but for now the focus is on collecting evidence, hearing from witnesses, and seeking justice for the victims.
As we await further details, this serves as a sobering reminder of how swiftly violence can erupt — and how vital it is for community vigilance, improved safety measures around public businesses, and for those with information to step forward.