In a case that shocked the South Kansas City community, Linda Ater, a 19-year-old Kansas City teen, has been sentenced to 21 years in prison for her involvement in a double homicide that occurred in December 2024.
The sentencing, which took place on Monday, marks the conclusion of a tragic and highly publicized case that drew widespread attention.
Ater’s actions resulted in the deaths of two individuals, and she was held accountable for her role in the tragic event.
Details of the Crime
The crime took place on December 9, 2024, when Kansas City, Missouri Police responded to reports of a shooting at the 6000 block of Blue Hills Road.
Upon arrival, officers found a man dead in the driver’s seat of a car and a woman on the ground, both victims of gunshot wounds.
Surveillance video from the surrounding area provided crucial evidence in identifying Ater’s involvement. The footage showed a Nissan pulling into an apartment complex parking lot, where Ater exited the car holding a gun with an extended magazine.
Moments later, she fired shots toward the driver’s seat before quickly fleeing the scene in another vehicle.
Charges and Sentencing
Ater faced multiple charges for her role in the double homicide:
- Second-degree murder: Ater was sentenced to 18 years for the murder of the two victims.
- Unlawful use of a weapon: She received 15 years for unlawful use of a weapon, which will be served concurrently with the second-degree murder sentence.
- Armed criminal action: Ater was also sentenced to an additional 3 years for armed criminal action, which will run consecutively to the first two sentences.
These sentences reflect the severity of Ater’s actions and the violence she committed in the course of the crime.
The Role of SAVE KC
Ater had previously been identified by SAVE KC, a program aimed at identifying individuals at high risk of violence. The program tracks people who have been involved in violent crimes or are likely to engage in future violent acts.
Ater was on the SAVE KC target list and was invited to attend a call-in session, which is part of the initiative designed to provide support and intervention for at-risk individuals.
However, Ater did not attend the call-in, which would have been an opportunity for her to receive guidance and avoid a path leading to further violence.
Court Statements and Prosecutor’s Remarks
Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson highlighted the importance of the SAVE KC program in identifying high-risk individuals. She noted that while Ater was invited to participate in the program, she chose not to attend, ultimately resulting in a tragic outcome.
The prosecutor also stressed the significance of Ater’s actions, saying that her failure to heed warnings and seek intervention led to the loss of life.
The community and the families of the victims are left to deal with the consequences of this preventable tragedy.
Sentencing Breakdown
| Charge | Sentence | Consecutive/Concurrent |
|---|---|---|
| Second-degree murder | 18 years | Concurrent |
| Unlawful use of a weapon | 15 years | Concurrent |
| Armed criminal action | 3 years | Consecutive |
The sentencing of Linda Ater serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of violent actions and the importance of intervention programs like SAVE KC. While Ater will now serve her 21-year sentence, the families of the victims continue to cope with their loss.
This case underscores the need for proactive measures to prevent violence and ensure that individuals at risk of committing violent acts receive the necessary support and resources.
The outcome of this trial also serves as a warning to others involved in criminal activity that there are severe consequences for actions that endanger the lives of others.
Kansas City, and the wider community, continue to seek ways to reduce violence and ensure justice is served in the wake of such tragedies.