A 24-year-old man has been charged in connection with a fatal shooting after investigators said surveillance video, license plate reader data and social media posts helped connect him to the case.
Sergio Isaac Insunza Sanchez, of Kansas City, Missouri, is charged with second-degree murder and armed criminal action in the death of 53-year-old Mark Simmons.
Authorities said Simmons was shot on June 9 and later died from his injuries, turning what began as an aggravated assault investigation into a homicide case.
Shooting Reported Near Alleyway
Police were called shortly after 6 a.m. on June 9 to the area near Independence and Monroe avenues after receiving a report of a shooting.
When officers arrived, they found Simmons suffering from gunshot trauma in an alleyway. He was taken to a hospital for treatment. Detectives at the scene recovered one spent rifle shell casing, which was collected as evidence.
According to court documents, detectives later spoke with Simmons while he was still hospitalized. Simmons told investigators he had been inside a homeless camp when a man approached from outside the fence.
Victim Described Moments Before Shooting
Simmons told police the man became agitated after being told he was not allowed inside the camp. Simmons said he explained that he was the only person inside.
According to the court document, Simmons said he then saw the man crouch down while holding an object. Moments later, he heard a “pop” and realized he had been shot.
Investigators said surveillance footage from the area showed a white SUV arriving near the alley minutes before audio captured the sound of a single gunshot. The same vehicle was later seen leaving the scene.
Surveillance And License Plate Data Used In Case
Detectives used city license plate readers to connect the white SUV to Insunza Sanchez, according to court records. Investigators said he had previously been stopped in the vehicle in February and May.
Court documents state that during those prior stops, Insunza Sanchez was documented with a firearm. He had also been arrested in February for possession of a controlled substance.
Investigators said additional surveillance footage helped track the SUV back to a residence about nine minutes after the shooting. Authorities noted the home was approximately eight minutes from the crime scene.
Social Media Posts Cited By Investigators
Detectives also reviewed Insunza Sanchez’s Instagram account, according to court documents. Investigators said the account included several posts involving firearms.
They also cited a June 10 post in which Insunza Sanchez appeared to be wearing clothing similar to what was seen on city camera footage from June 9.
Police said KCPD Gang Squad detectives and ATF agents assisted in gathering additional information, including details connected to Insunza Sanchez’s residence.
Investigation Becomes Homicide Case
Authorities said they were notified on Thursday, June 18, that Simmons had died from his injuries. His death changed the case from an aggravated assault investigation to a homicide investigation.
The next day, according to court documents, Insunza Sanchez posted a video on Instagram showing himself inside the SUV with an AR-style firearm in his lap.
Later that day, KCPD SWAT officers took him into custody at his home.
Suspect’s Statement To Police
While in custody, Insunza Sanchez allegedly told investigators he went to the homeless camp to buy meth from a dealer known as the “Prince of Kansas City.”
According to court documents, he claimed the man inside yelled at him and turned toward him, prompting him to fire one shot in the man’s direction. He also allegedly told police he did not know the man had died.
Insunza Sanchez remains held in the Jackson County Detention Center on a $200,000 cash-only bond. The charges are allegations, and the case will continue through the court process.