Christopher Bartholomew was 21 when he was killed after being caught in a chaotic shootout in Kansas City’s Westport entertainment district in the early morning hours of May 20, 2007. He and friends were near 39th and Broadway around 2:30 a.m. as bars were closing when an argument between two groups escalated and multiple people opened fire. Bartholomew was not involved in the dispute; witnesses say he was attempting to pull someone to safety when he was struck by a stray bullet. He was taken to a hospital and died the following day; three others suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

Investigators believe the shooting was gang-related and involved occupants of several vehicles. Detectives identified occupants of a Dodge Charger and sought information about a 2003 Isuzu Rodeo, a 2007 Pontiac G6 and an unidentified brown car. The crowded scene produced many witnesses, but cooperation has been limited and no arrests have been announced. Bartholomew’s family established a reward fund that at one point exceeded $50,000 and created a scholarship for students entering law enforcement in his honor.

If anyone remembers that night or has information about the vehicles or occupants seen near 39th and Broadway around 2:30 a.m. on May 20, 2007, please come forward.