Kendrick L Williams

Kendrick L. Williams was a 22-year-old aspiring musician and a beloved only child, remembered for his dedication to his family and his art. A Black man, he was a graduate of Van Horn High School and was taking classes at Vatterott College while actively pursuing a career as a local rapper. His mother, LaTonya Williams, described herself as very proud of her son. He was also a loving uncle. Kendrick was building a name for himself in the Kansas City, Missouri, music scene, performing with his group and sharing his passion with the community.

The vibrant atmosphere of Easter Sunday in 2012 was shattered by sudden violence in the early morning hours. On April 8, just before 2 a.m., Kendrick was in the popular Westport entertainment district. He had just finished a performance with his group at the Middle of the Map Fest, an event sponsored by local publication Ink Magazine. As crowds of people were leaving the area, Kendrick was in the parking lot of the Sun Fresh Market at 4001 Mill Street. Witnesses reported that a vehicle drove up, someone inside rolled down a window, and shots were fired into the crowd.

Kansas City, Missouri police officers were dispatched to the scene at 1:48 a.m. following a report of a shooting. They found Kendrick lying in the parking lot, suffering from a gunshot wound. He was rushed to a local hospital, but his injury was too severe, and he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. The shooting happened so quickly that it was unclear to witnesses, and to Kendrick's mother, whether he was the specific target or a random victim of a senseless act.

The investigation was immediately launched by the Kansas City Missouri Police Department. Among the witnesses to the shooting was Kyle James, the son of then-Kansas City Mayor Sly James. He and Kendrick were described as lifelong friends, and police confirmed that he was cooperating fully with the investigation. In an email, a spokesperson for the mayor stated, “whether or not the mayor’s son was near, the shooting adds to a pattern of senseless violence that has to stop.”

Detectives worked to piece together the events of that night, but the case proved challenging. Investigators developed information that a dark-colored, 2010-2012 model Chevrolet Equinox was seen leaving the area immediately after the gunshots were fired. Despite this lead and appeals to the public for information, no arrests have ever been made in connection with Kendrick's murder. The case grew cold, leaving his family with unanswered questions and a profound sense of loss.

In the years since his death, Kendrick’s mother has continued to hope for a breakthrough. "I just want justice to be done," LaTonya Williams said in the days after losing her only child. Her plea for answers echoes the pain felt by many families in Kansas City who have lost loved ones to unsolved homicides. The case remains a somber reminder of a promising life cut short by violence.

As of today, the murder of Kendrick L. Williams is still an open and unsolved investigation. The Kansas City Missouri Police Department continues to seek information that could lead to the person or persons responsible for his death. A reward of up to $25,000 is available for information leading to an arrest in this case. Detectives with the Homicide Unit urge anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward by contacting the unit at 816-234-5043 or the anonymous TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477).