In the early morning hours of April 20, 2019, 40-year-old Jeremy John Kitscher was fatally shot inside his residence in the 300 block of Grand Street in Belton, Missouri. Police officers responded to a call regarding a shooting just after 12:15 a.m. and discovered droplets of blood leading to a hallway where Kitscher had suffered a gunshot wound to the chest.
He was found lying face down on a bed and was subsequently transported to Belton Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 12:51 a.m.
Witnesses at the scene indicated that the incident stemmed from an interpersonal dispute between the male victim and a man who had been staying at the home for approximately two weeks, identified as Joshua Landon Hance. The altercation reportedly began when Kitscher returned home around midnight and discovered that his personal belongings had been disturbed, specifically noting a missing coin collection. He confronted Hance in a bedroom, leading to a physical struggle between the two men. According to witness statements provided to investigators, Hance allegedly threatened to shoot Kitscher during the scuffle. When Kitscher released his grip, Hance reportedly drew a pistol from his pocket and fired a single shot into the victim's chest before fleeing the scene.
Following the shooting, a manhunt ensued for the 34-year-old suspect, who was considered armed and dangerous. Days later, on April 24, 2019, Hance was apprehended by Platte County sheriff’s deputies after a high-speed vehicle pursuit that lasted roughly 45 minutes. The chase, which involved a vehicle reported stolen from Kansas City, ended only after officers deployed spike strips. Hance was taken into custody after a brief foot chase. Investigators later recovered a. 380 caliber handgun in a wooded area in Grandview, which they believed to be the weapon used in the shooting.
In the aftermath of the arrest, prosecutors in Cass County charged Hance with being a felon in possession of a firearm. However, the prosecutor's office initially declined to file murder charges at the time of the arrest, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation. Hance also faced separate charges in Platte County related to tampering with a motor vehicle and resisting arrest. The investigation revealed that Hance had a prior criminal history, including convictions for tampering with a vehicle and previous encounters with law enforcement involving weapons.
