Amber Minor, a 40-year-old Black transgender woman and lifelong Kansas City resident, was found shot to death in a driveway in the 9800 block of 77th Terrace in Raytown, Missouri, on the morning of December 24, 2023. Police responded to a call at approximately 8:35 a.m.; she was pronounced dead at the scene. The death was recorded as Raytown’s sixth homicide of the year.

Friends and community members describe Minor as resilient and vibrant, the life of the party who loved entertaining and speaking her mind. She had spent time in the foster care system as a child and survived previous violent incidents; close friends remembered her as a warrior and a survivor. Local LGBTQ+ advocacy groups have been active in ensuring her identity is respected.

The investigation remains ongoing; as of late January 2024 no suspects have been publicly identified and no arrests have been announced. Anyone with information is asked to contact the TIPS Hotline. If anyone knew Amber or has information that could help bring answers, please come forward.