Hailey
On June 9, 2023, a Kansas City Police Department (KCPD) officer shot into a minivan during a violent confrontation near East 31st Street and Van Brunt Boulevard in Kansas City.
The officer fired 16 rounds, killing two people, Marcel Nelson (42) and Kristen Fairchild (42). A third person, Jaden Thorns, was shot in the head and survived after emergency medical treatment.
Authorities said the incident unfolded quickly. The officer was stopped at a red light when he observed a dispute involving multiple vehicles.
During the confrontation, a passenger inside the minivan fired a gun toward another vehicle. The officer responded by firing at the minivan, striking three people inside. Two of those victims died at the scene.
Why The Officer Was Barred From Jackson County
A major revelation following the shooting was that the officer was barred from working cases in Jackson County at the time of the incident. Jackson County prosecutors had previously refused to accept cases involving him, citing concerns about his violent history and prior use-of-force incidents.
Because prosecutors determine which cases can move forward in court, their refusal effectively prevented the officer from being assigned to Jackson County work. He was reportedly assigned to patrol duties in Clay County instead, where his involvement would not jeopardize prosecutions.
Despite this restriction, the officer entered Jackson County on the night of the shooting. He later stated that he was driving to a police facility because he needed to use the restroom when the confrontation occurred.
Details Of The Officer’s Violent History
Prosecutors and civil attorneys described the officer’s record as showing a pattern of excessive force. One of the most notable incidents tied to his history was a March 2020 fatal shooting of Donnie Sanders, an unarmed 47-year-old Black man. That case resulted in a $10 million civil lawsuit against the department.
In another incident, the officer was accused of assaulting a woman at a retail store in Platte County. That case was resolved with a $65,000 settlement.
Following the 2023 shooting, the families of the two victims who were killed reached a civil resolution totaling $3.5 million, further highlighting the financial and legal consequences tied to the officer’s actions.
How The Brady Rule Played A Role
One of the central legal issues in this case involves the Brady rule, which requires prosecutors to disclose evidence that could affect an officer’s credibility. This includes prior misconduct, use-of-force complaints, or disciplinary actions.
Jackson County prosecutors said the officer’s history would have to be disclosed in court, potentially undermining any case in which he was involved. This was a major reason they chose to bar him from working in the county altogether.
Prosecutor’s Decision On Criminal Charges
In January 2026, the Jackson County Prosecutor announced that criminal charges would not be filed against the officer for the 2023 shooting.
The decision was based on Missouri law governing use of force in defense of others. Prosecutors stated that the officer’s actions met the legal threshold for defending others from imminent harm.
However, the prosecutor emphasized continued concerns about the officer’s conduct, his presence in Jackson County despite prior restrictions, and broader accountability issues within law enforcement.
Key Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Officer | KCPD Officer With Prior Violent History |
| Incident Date | June 9, 2023 |
| Location | E 31st St & Van Brunt Blvd, Kansas City |
| Shots Fired | 16 rounds |
| People Killed | Marcel Nelson (42), Kristen Fairchild (42) |
| Injured Survivor | Jaden Thorns (shot in head, survived) |
| County Restriction | Barred from Jackson County cases |
| Major Civil Outcome | $3.5 million settlement |
| Prior Fatal Case | 2020 Donnie Sanders shooting |
| Other Settlement | $65,000 assault-related settlement |
The case of a KCPD officer barred from Jackson County before a deadly shooting has raised serious questions about police oversight, accountability, and internal safeguards.
While prosecutors concluded the shooting did not meet the legal standard for criminal charges, the officer’s presence in a county where he was not supposed to work exposed gaps in enforcement and supervision.
The deaths of two innocent people and the survival of a third victim underscore how unresolved warning signs within law enforcement can lead to tragic outcomes with lasting consequences for families and communities.