John J. Bottom was 22 and a Senior Airman with the 509th Security Forces Squadron at Whiteman Air Force Base when he was fatally shot after a gathering in Warrensburg, Missouri. On the evening of May 9, 2015, he was at an off-base residence with fellow airmen. Dominic Joseph Sacco, also 22, introduced a Glock 19 9mm to the group, chambered a round while showing the firearm, and the weapon discharged, striking Bottom in the head.

Bottom was transported to a Kansas City hospital but was declared brain dead from his injuries. The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office investigated and Sacco was taken into custody; initial charges included second-degree murder and unlawful use of a weapon. The charges were later amended, and in December 2015 Sacco was convicted of first-degree involuntary manslaughter and received a four-year prison sentence.

If anyone who knew John or was at the gathering has information that could shed further light on what happened that night, please share what you can.