Carlos D. Aerrion Burnett, 37, was found shot to death in a grassy area near East 13th Street and Brookside Avenue in Independence, Missouri, in the early morning hours of September 19, 2020. The discovery came around 3:40 a.m.; the wounds proved fatal two days before what would have been his 38th birthday. Authorities opened a homicide investigation and have said they are examining whether the killing was a hate crime.

Friends remembered Burnett as vibrant and joyful, and a candlelight vigil was held where family and community members gathered to mourn and celebrate his life. Law enforcement has asked anyone with information to contact the TIPS Hotline.

Did anyone in the area that night see or hear anything that could help investigators?