A man has been charged after a woman was fatally shot during an alleged domestic violence incident Thursday evening.
Jackson County prosecutors charged William O’Neal on Friday with second-degree murder and armed criminal action. The victim was identified by police as 45-year-old Antwala Kelly.
The shooting happened at a residence in the Independence Plaza neighborhood of Kansas City, Missouri. A judge ordered O’Neal to be held on a $300,000 cash-only bond.
Officers Respond To Domestic Violence Report
Kansas City police officers were called to a residence in the 2800 block of East Sixth Street at approximately 6:15 p.m.
According to court documents, officers were told that O’Neal was inside the home assaulting Kelly, who was described as his romantic partner.
When officers arrived, family members directed them toward the residence and said Kelly needed immediate assistance. Police reportedly heard sounds consistent with someone in distress coming from inside.
Officers attempted to enter the home, but the front door had been locked and secured with a deadbolt.
Gunshots Heard From Inside Home
As officers continued trying to gain entry, they heard several gunshots and a scream from inside the residence, according to the charging documents.
A young person then opened the front door and exited the home, allowing officers to enter.
Police found Kelly suffering from a gunshot wound. Emergency responders transported her to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead shortly before 7:50 p.m.
O’Neal reportedly surrendered to officers inside the residence and was taken into custody.
Witnesses Describe Events Before Shooting
Family members told investigators that Kelly and O’Neal had been romantically involved and had lived together at the residence since March.
One witness said Kelly had called relatives and reported that O’Neal was assaulting her. Family members then travelled to the home to help her.
According to the allegations, Kelly attempted to leave the residence when her relatives arrived, but O’Neal pulled her back inside.
Another witness who was reportedly inside the home said an argument began after O’Neal returned early from work. The witness alleged that O’Neal struck Kelly during the confrontation.
The witness also told investigators that O’Neal prevented her from leaving. When police arrived, she ran toward the entrance and then heard gunfire, court records state.
Weapons Recovered During Investigation
Investigators processed the home following the shooting and recovered shell casings and two handguns, according to court documents.
Detectives interviewed witnesses and collected evidence as they worked to establish the sequence of events leading to Kelly’s death.
The investigation resulted in prosecutors filing the two felony charges against O’Neal the following day.
Suspect Faces Two Felony Counts
Second-degree murder generally alleges that a person knowingly caused another person’s death without the deliberation required for a first-degree murder charge.
Armed criminal action is filed when prosecutors allege that a felony was committed using a dangerous instrument or deadly weapon.
The charges against O’Neal are allegations. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court, and the evidence will be considered through the judicial process.
William O’Neal faces second-degree murder and armed criminal action charges following the fatal shooting of Antwala Kelly during an alleged domestic violence incident.
Police said officers heard distress and gunshots before entering the locked residence. Kelly later died at a hospital, while O’Neal was taken into custody. The case will now proceed through Jackson County Circuit Court.