In the late hours of a November evening in Kansas City, Missouri, the life of 36-year-old Michelle P. Capell was tragically cut short. On November 16, 2020, Michelle was standing on a sidewalk on Independence Avenue when she was fatally wounded in a drive-by shooting. A male companion who was with her at the time was also struck by gunfire but survived his injuries.
Responding officers found Michelle deceased at the scene around 11:15 p.m.
The investigation into the shooting quickly pointed towards a suspect, 28-year-old James Gregory of Independence, Missouri. Detectives were able to utilize surveillance footage from the area which captured a dark-colored four-door car with tinted windows driving by as muzzle flashes emanated from the vehicle. This crucial piece of evidence led authorities to a car belonging to Gregory's fiancée. A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered three spent 9-millimeter shell casings. Further forensic evidence tied Gregory to the crime, as gunshot residue was detected on his shirt.
Witnesses reported that earlier in the day, Gregory had been involved in a dispute with a man and a woman at a gas station. He allegedly left the scene, stating his intention to return, and took his fiancée's car. Despite denying any involvement in the shooting during police questioning, James Gregory was arrested and charged with second-degree murder, first-degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon, and three counts of armed criminal action. The Jackson County Prosecutor's Office requested a bond of $250,000.
