Joseph Burns III

Joseph Burns III, a 51-year-old Black man from Kansas City, Missouri, was known to his loved ones as “JoeJoe.” His family remembered him as the life of the party, someone who loved to get dressed up, show off his best dance moves, and was always seen with a big smile. A devoted father and grandfather, he loved to brag about his daughters and cherished the time and memories he made with his grandchildren, who meant the world to him. Mr. Burns was born in Kansas City, where he later earned his GED and worked a host of jobs. He particularly enjoyed his work at True Faith Outreach Ministries, a church where he worked alongside his aunt.

In the early morning of August 30, 2023, police officers were patrolling near 29th and Prospect Avenue when they were dispatched to a call about a man lying on the ground. Just after 5:30 a.m., they located Mr. Burns in the front yard of a home. He appeared to be suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

The officers found no signs of life, and emergency medical responders who arrived shortly after pronounced him dead at the scene. Homicide detectives and crime scene personnel began processing the area, gathering evidence, and speaking with any potential witnesses. Investigators noted that a separate shooting had occurred across the street the previous day and were looking into whether the two incidents were related.

As of August 2023, no persons of interest had been taken into custody, and the case remained an ongoing homicide investigation. Authorities asked that anyone who was in or around the area at the time and saw or heard anything to come forward. A reward of up to $25,000 is offered for information submitted anonymously to the TIPS Hotline. The case is unsolved. Anyone with information is asked to contact Homicide detectives directly at 816-234-5043 or the Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.