Christopher Cole Wells, 41, was killed in his Northland Kansas City neighborhood after a confrontation with a neighbor on the morning of January 12, 2026. Known as Chris to friends and family, he worked 12 years at Bayer, was described as a devoted husband to his wife Kirsten and a protective father of four, and was active in his community.

According to court documents citing surveillance footage, the dispute began after the neighbor, 42-year-old Jeffrey King, allegedly tossed a blanket onto the Wells property while Chris’s wife was walking their dog. Chris drove home to confront King; a physical altercation ensued and multiple gunshots followed. Chris was found lying in the street on Northeast 78th Street with 13 gunshot defects to his front and back and was pronounced dead at the scene. Two juveniles told police they saw King stand over Chris and shoot him in the back while Chris lay facedown.

Police arrested Jeffrey King shortly after arriving and recovered numerous firearms at his home, including 16 9mm handguns; eight 9mm casings were recovered at the scene. King was charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action, pleaded not guilty at his initial appearance, and was ordered held on $5 million bond. His attorneys later indicated a potential stand your ground self-defense claim.

Does anyone in the Kansas City area have information about the neighborhood dispute or saw what happened that morning?