Joseph Michael Bonacorso was 18 and a student at Staley High School when he was fatally shot on September 24, 2023, in Kansas City, Missouri. The shooting occurred at a home in the Northland neighborhood on Northeast 119th Terrace after a domestic dispute between Joseph’s mother and her husband, Steven Lester Woods. Joseph was called to the residence; an altercation followed and police found him deceased when they arrived.

Steven Lester Woods was taken into custody and charged with first-degree murder in the death of his stepson, along with counts of first-degree assault, two counts of armed criminal action, and unlawful use of a weapon. He is awaiting trial. The death has been described by authorities as resulting from domestic violence and has left the community grieving.

If anyone knew Joseph, his family, or was in the Northland area that morning and has information, please share it with investigators.