KANSAS CITY —Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson announced charges against a man in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred in northeast Kansas City over the Christmas weekend.
Ryan J. Hawk, 29, faces 2nd Degree Murder, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and 1st Degree Tampering with a Motor Vehicle.
According to court records, Kansas City police responded to a residence on Dec. 27 regarding a shooting and located the victim lying face down on the sidewalk. Police observed an apparent gunshot wound to the victim’s lower back. He was pronounced deceased at a local hospital.
Detectives recovered eight shell casings near the front door of the residence and a shattered front window.
In an interview with detectives, the defendant said he was at the residence and the victim, who he said had a history of threatening behavior, was present. He said the victim broke the front window and then ran away toward his vehicle. As the victim’s back was turned, Hawk fired multiple rounds at the victim. Hawk then took the victim’s vehicle and fled.
A Jackson County judge set the defendant’s bond at $250,000 cash-only.