Hailey
KCPD Makes Progress: A quiet night in Kansas City, Missouri, took a tragic turn when a well-known convenience store worker was shot and killed while doing his job. The loss has deeply affected the community, especially customers and friends who saw him every day.
This article explains what happened, how people are reacting, and what the police have discovered so far. Everything is written in simple English so readers of all ages can understand clearly.
What Happened at the Store
On Tuesday night, the Phillips 66 Xpress Mart near Prospect Avenue and Gregory Boulevard became a crime scene.
Police said 41-year-old Craig Washington was shot and killed while working his regular shift. He had worked at the store for a long time and was known by many people in the neighborhood.
The next day, customers, friends, and family members visited the store to remember him. A small memorial appeared outside with flowers, messages, and a sign saying “Stop the Violence.”
How the Community Reacted
Everyone who knew Craig described him as a calm and kind person. Many said he avoided trouble and always treated people with respect.
One friend, Shaftt Johnson, said it felt painful to know Craig would not be there anymore. “I don’t go to any other gas station. Knowing he’s not going to be here hurts,” he said.
A regular customer, Anthony Barnes, remembered how Craig helped everyone. He said Craig even gave snacks to homeless people without expecting anything in return. These memories show how much he meant to the community.
Crime Increasing in the Area
Sadly, this shooting became the 126th homicide in Kansas City this year. Even more shocking, the 127th homicide happened only two hours later, less than three miles away.
According to police crime records, the area around the store has already seen many cases of property crimes, robberies, and assaults in 2025.
Arguments remain the top cause of homicides this year, accounting for almost 42% of all cases.
Crime for the Area
Simple Crime Summary Table:
| Crime Type | Details in 2025 |
|---|---|
| Homicides | 126th at the store; another two hours later nearby |
| Assaults | Several incidents in surrounding blocks |
| Robberies | Multiple robberies reported this year |
| Property Crimes | Often recorded in early and mid-2025 |
Witnesses and Investigation Progress
Police confirmed that several people were inside the store when the shooting happened. Right now, they are still trying to understand whether Craig was just a bystander or if the shooting happened after an argument inside the store.
The store could not share surveillance footage before the news deadline, which has slowed down some parts of the investigation.
Even so, on Wednesday afternoon, KCPD said detectives are making progress in identifying a suspect, but no arrests have been made yet. The case remains open, and investigators are working with witness statements and other evidence to move forward.
A Community Still in Pain
Craig’s friends say the neighborhood has become unsafe. Johnson shared that hearing gunshots at night is now common in the area. He said everyone should talk through problems instead of using violence. “He didn’t deserve this. You can fix things with just a conversation,” he said.
Customers like Barnes also worry about the rising violence. He said, “This community is going downhill fast. There are just too many shootings.”
The death of Craig Washington has shaken the community and left a deep impact on everyone who knew him. He was known as a helpful, gentle person who never looked for trouble.
As the police continue their investigation and work toward finding the person responsible, the neighborhood is still searching for peace and safety. This tragedy shows how quickly violence can change lives and why communities must work together to stop it.