Chestina Gaskin, 23, was shot to death inside an apartment at Emerson Manor Apartments in the 2000 block of East Linwood Boulevard in Kansas City on June 26, 2024. First responders found her with a gunshot wound to the head; she was pronounced dead at the scene. Gaskin was six months pregnant and had recently obtained her cosmetology license; family members said she was excited about becoming a mother.

Investigators say Gaskin had been in the apartment with her ex-boyfriend, 22-year-old Travon Oliver, and a witness. Court documents describe an argument after Oliver accused Gaskin of infidelity, an alleged physical escalation in which Oliver choked her to demonstrate violence, and the introduction of a handgun. The witness tried to intervene while Oliver reportedly gained control of the weapon and Gaskin was shot. Oliver initially told police four intruders had entered but later told detectives he was holding the gun when it discharged, calling the shooting accidental. He was charged with second-degree murder, unlawful criminal action, and two counts of unlawful use of a weapon; bond was set at $150,000.

Did anyone in the community know Chestina or have information about the events at that apartment on June 26?