On the evening of July 2, 2023, a violent altercation in Kansas City, Missouri, ended with the death of 26-year-old Theophlius Johnson III. Officers were sent to the 2000 block of Oakley Avenue shortly before 5:00 p.m. after reports of a shooting. First responders found Johnson, an African American male, lying in a front yard with apparent gunshot wounds; he was pronounced dead at the scene despite emergency aid.

Homicide detectives say the incident began as an argument between Johnson and another adult that escalated when the other person produced a firearm and shot Johnson, then fled. Police searched the neighborhood for evidence and witnesses but released no detailed suspect description and reported no arrests at that time. Johnson worked for the Kansas City Water Services Department and was remembered as a dedicated father and worker.

If anyone has information about the shooting or saw activity around Oakley Avenue that evening, please come forward.