White male Foster LaVerne Grant IV, a 26-year-old chiropractic student, was found dead in Kansas City, Missouri, during the early morning hours of September 12, 2021. Grant, who was pursuing his doctoral education at Cleveland University-Kansas City, had been out in the Westport entertainment district, a popular area known for its nightlife. Around 3:00 a.m., as the crowds were beginning to disperse and the district was emptying for the night, gunfire erupted near the intersection of Westport
Road and Broadway Boulevard.
Off-duty police officers working in the vicinity heard the shots and immediately responded to the scene. Upon arrival, they discovered Grant lying in the street, suffering from fatal gunshot wounds. Despite the quick response of law enforcement and emergency personnel, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident occurred just as the area was clearing out, yet the chaotic nature of the environment at closing time complicated the initial gathering of information.
The Kansas City Police Department launched a homicide investigation into the shooting. In the months following the murder, detectives struggled to identify a shooter. By March 2022, investigators released surveillance images of two women they believed might have information regarding the incident. Police clarified that these women were not considered suspects but were potential witnesses who had been seen in the area around the time of the crime. Authorities hoped that identifying and speaking with them could provide critical leads to advance the stalled case.
Grant was originally from Saint Francis, Kansas, and had moved to Kansas City to complete his medical studies. He was remembered by his community and peers for his dedication to his future profession and his love for the outdoors. As of the most recent available reports, no arrests have been made, and no charges have been filed in connection with his death. The case remains unsolved, with police continuing to ask for public assistance in generating new leads.
