Lucas Long, 15, was shot and killed in Kansas City, Missouri, on the afternoon of January 8, 2026. Officers responding about 2:45 p.m. to an apartment complex in the 6600 block of Monroe Avenue, near Swope Park, were directed to a rear parking lot where Long was found with gunshot wounds; he was pronounced dead at the scene despite paramedics’ efforts.

Long was a student at Southeast High School, active on the basketball team and as a percussionist in the orchestra, and a member of Glad Tidings Assembly of God. His mother, Qu’Sha Barbee, remembered him as goofy, hardworking and protective; he often did construction, roofing and landscaping work and looked out for friends even past curfew.

Police say an interaction between Long and several other people escalated to gunfire, and unidentified men left the scene in a vehicle. No suspects have been publicly identified and no arrests were reported in the days after the shooting; detectives are seeking witnesses and more information.

If anyone saw activity in the 6600 block of Monroe Avenue or the rear parking area that afternoon, please share what was observed.