Aaron Williams was 18 when he was shot and killed in Kansas City, Missouri, in the early morning hours of Sunday, July 20, 2025. Police responded just before 6 a.m. to reports of gunfire in the 1300 block of East 89th Street and were later directed to an apartment where Williams was found with apparent gunshot wounds. He received emergency aid, was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries, and was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

Investigators say the shooting likely occurred outside on the roadway near the Woodlen Place Apartments and that Williams went to the apartment after being shot. Police identified him publicly in the days after the incident but said the circumstances were unclear and, as of August 2025, no arrests or suspect identifications had been announced. Williams had graduated from Center High School on May 15, had turned 18 on May 30, was preparing to start a job at a nursing home, and used the artistic name Lil Ren. His mother, Danielle Benson, described him as a goofy and beloved older brother to eight younger siblings.

If anyone has information about what happened that morning or saw activity near Woodlen Place Apartments, please share details with the Kansas City Police Department.