Antony Taylor

Antony D. Taylor, a 26-year-old Black man, was found dead on August 3, 2020, after his silver BMW sedan crashed into a building in Kansas City, Missouri. Police responding to what was initially reported as an injury accident in the 4900 block of Swope Parkway discovered Taylor in the driver's seat. He was the sole occupant of the car, and officers soon realized he had sustained a single gunshot wound.

The exterior of Taylor's car had multiple bullet holes, indicating a violent encounter had preceded the crash. The investigation led detectives to an altercation that had occurred in front of a residence in the 4400 block of Indiana Avenue. Near the intersection of 46th and Indiana, police found multiple spent shell casings and a firearm component, identifying it as the scene of the shooting.

Detectives pieced together the evening's events by reviewing extensive video surveillance from various sources, including a city bus. The footage captured Taylor's vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed after he was shot. It also showed the suspect's vehicle and its license plate, providing a vital link for the investigation.

This evidence, combined with an analysis of rental car data, phone records, and social media, led to the identification of Michael L. Finnell, a 28-year-old Kansas City man. A major breakthrough came when the crime lab matched DNA found on a laser sight from a handgun recovered at the scene to Finnell. He was later taken into custody during a traffic stop.

Michael L. Finnell was charged with second-degree murder and armed criminal action in connection with Antony Taylor's death. The case concluded in August 2022, when a man was sentenced for the fatal shooting.