In the early morning hours of September 18, 2018, a violent encounter in an Independence, Missouri, apartment tragically cut short the life of 20-year-old Mary Schmitz. Friends would later remember the 2016 Blue Springs High School graduate as a compassionate listener with an infectious laugh, someone who was easy to talk to and exceptionally kind.
That night, however, she found herself in the midst of a deadly confrontation.
The incident unfolded at an apartment in the 1100 block of Quail Creek Drive where Schmitz lived with a roommate. An 18-year-old man, David A. Harris, arrived at the apartment, reportedly to 'box' a 21-year-old man who was there. The situation escalated, and Harris began to assault the man, who fought back. As the two struggled, Harris pulled out a gun and shot the other man. In a desperate moment, the wounded man grabbed Mary Schmitz and pulled her in front of him. Harris fired again, this time striking and killing Schmitz. A German shepherd in the apartment was also shot and killed.
Police responded to a call of shots fired shortly before 4 a.m. and arrived to hear yelling from inside the residence. They found Schmitz deceased in the living room area and the male victim in a bedroom with life-threatening injuries. Later, officers found Harris in the vicinity, matching the description provided by the wounded victim. During questioning, Harris initially denied being at the apartment but eventually admitted to the shooting, claiming he shot Schmitz after the other man used her as a shield. He told investigators he fled the scene and discarded the gun in the woods.
The investigation led to the arrest of not only David A. Harris of Oak Grove but also a second suspect, 20-year-old Michael A. Lora of Blue Springs, who was identified by a witness as being involved in the exchange of gunfire. Harris was charged with second-degree murder, first-degree assault, and two counts of armed criminal action. Lora faced charges of second-degree murder, assault, and armed criminal action. In July 2021, a Jackson County jury convicted Harris on all counts. Following the jury's recommendation for sentences totaling 48 years, Harris attempted to escape the courthouse in Independence by removing a leg brace and breaking through a back door, but he was quickly captured nearby.
