To keep the community informed about the homicides that take place in Kansas City, I want to provide you with a monthly analysis of these killings on my blog, and today we’re going to talk about January 2012. The community has been integral to solving these cases by giving police information and calling and texting in tips. The last homicide of the month on Jan. 26 at 61st and College had a suspect apprehended within minutes because a witness came forward with great information. Many more people are coming forward with what they know and are helping us build a case against, find, and prosecute those who are a danger to our community.
The first homicide of the New Year happened on January 11, and charges have been filed in that case. Dmarko Nicodemus, 22, has been charged with killing 54-year-old Cornell Maxwell inside a residence in the 7100 block of Monroe. The motive was an argument.
The other seven cases in January have not yet been cleared, but the investigations are progressing, and we have solid leads in most of them. There was one double homicide (Jan. 23 in a home in the 5000 block of Chestnut) and one triple homicide (Jan. 16 in the 3900 block of Paseo) in January.
Five of the eight homicides happened inside a residence, and two were just outside – on the porch or in the yard. One victim was shot in a car. Six of the victims were black males with an average age of 36. There was one 57-year-old white female victim and one 41-year-old white male victim. They were killed in the triple homicide and were mother and son.
None of January’s killings appeared to be related to domestic violence. Until the cases are charged, we cannot definitively say what the motives were. Seven of the eight victims were killed by gunshots. Cornell Maxwell was stabbed.
Half of the homicides occurred in the Metro Patrol Division. The triple homicide occurred in Central Patrol Division, and the remaining killing was in East Patrol.
We will continue working diligently to prevent violent crime and solve these homicides. As always, we cannot do these things alone. We need the community’s help. If you have any information about these, join those who already have worked toward a safer city by calling 816-474-TIPS, sending a web tip at www.kccrimestoppers.com or texting “TIP452” plus your message to CRIMES (274637). You’ll remain anonymous and could get a cash reward.
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