On the morning of June 7, 2020, a violent incident unfolded in the parking lot of the Hyde Pointe Apartments in Kansas City, Missouri, claiming the life of a young man. Police officers were dispatched to the 4100 block of Troost Avenue around 6:50 a.m. after the ShotSpotter gunshot detection system alerted them to gunfire in the area. Upon arrival, first responders discovered the victim, identified as 19-year-old male Matthew Alan Cox, suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest.
Despite being transported to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment, he ultimately succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.
The investigation at the scene suggested a robbery had taken place, as officers found Cox with his pants pockets turned inside out. Witnesses in the area provided critical information to law enforcement, reporting that they heard a gunshot followed by a man yelling. One witness observed a vehicle leaving the parking lot immediately after the shooting, describing it as a car resembling one driven by the brother of a known tenant in the complex. Further testimony alleged that the suspect had been overheard discussing a plan to rob the victim prior to the meeting.
Authorities identified the suspect as 26-year-old Khalid Heron-Boone. According to court records, Heron-Boone admitted to police that he had been in the apartment with Cox and a juvenile throughout the night, consuming cocaine and playing video games. He claimed that as they walked outside to the parking lot, an unknown individual yelled 'get down,' prompting him to flee before hearing a gunshot. He stated he later saw Cox on the ground and returned inside to call 911. However, this account contradicted witness statements claiming Heron-Boone returned to the apartment after the shooting and asked a witness to call the police because Cox had been 'robbed and shot.'
Prosecutors charged Khalid Heron-Boone with second-degree murder, first-degree robbery, and two counts of armed criminal action in connection with the homicide. Detectives noted that the clothing description provided by witnesses—a dark-colored coat, red shoes, and sweatpants—matched what Heron-Boone was wearing when he was taken into custody. A bond of $200,000 was set following the filing of charges. Matthew Cox was remembered by his family as a former varsity football player at J.C. Harmon High School who worked as a roofer and had a passion for music.
