Joseph Burns III, 51, known to family as JoeJoe, was found fatally shot in the front yard of a home near 29th and Prospect Avenue in Kansas City, Missouri, in the early morning of August 30, 2023. Officers on patrol were dispatched just after 5:30 a.m. for a person lying on the ground; Mr. Burns had multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene. He was remembered by family as a devoted father and grandfather, lively and proud of his daughters and grandchildren, and as someone who worked various jobs including at True Faith Outreach Ministries alongside his aunt.

Investigators processed the scene, spoke with potential witnesses, and noted a separate shooting across the street the previous day as a lead to explore. As of August 2023 the homicide remained unsolved and no persons of interest had been taken into custody; a reward of up to $25,000 was offered for anonymous tips. If anyone was in the area that morning or has information, please contact Homicide detectives at 816-234-5043 or the Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.