Michael Rehard, 33, was fatally shot in the early morning hours of May 1, 2022, at Sammy’s Tavern in the Strawberry Hill neighborhood of Kansas City, Kansas. He had been at the bar with his siblings, Matthew and Maria, for a family celebration when a confrontation with a man known to the family escalated and gunfire erupted. Michael was found dead inside the bar; two others, including his brother Matthew and a family friend, were wounded. Neighbors reported hearing a series of gunshots shortly after 1 a.m., followed by screaming and commotion.

Investigators identified 26-year-old Mekiah D. Harris as the primary suspect and sought him on charges of first-degree murder and aggravated battery. Officers located Harris on May 3, 2022, and a multi-county, cross-state pursuit ended near Platte City, Missouri, where Harris abandoned his vehicle, fled into woods, and was shot and killed by law enforcement while reportedly in possession of a firearm. Michael is remembered by family as a big-hearted, loyal father of two young daughters who had recently returned home and was reportedly on a positive path.

If anyone was at Sammy’s Tavern that night or has information about the confrontation that led to the shooting, please come forward.