On May 16, 2018, law enforcement officers in Blue Springs, Missouri, responded to a distress call at the Welcome Inn motel located on Northwest Jefferson Street. Upon arrival at the scene, they discovered thirty-seven-year-old Joshua Lee McDaniel suffering from a gunshot wound. The incident occurred on the third-floor walkway of the motel where McDaniel was staying.
Despite emergency efforts, the injuries proved fatal, and McDaniel died as a result of the shooting.
Investigators determined that the violence stemmed from a confrontation between McDaniel and another resident of the motel, identified as Marvin M. Belk, a forty-four-year-old Black male. According to reports, Belk had been at work in Olathe when he received calls from his wife and a neighbor claiming that a man at the motel was threatening his family. Belk returned to the property, retrieved a handgun from his room, and went to the third floor to confront McDaniel. During the encounter, words were exchanged, with McDaniel reportedly asking if Belk had brought a gun. Belk allegedly drew the weapon from his pocket and fired, striking McDaniel.
Following the shooting, Belk retreated to his apartment briefly before walking out to the parking lot to surrender to the arriving police officers. He flagged down an officer, reportedly stating, 'I am the one you are looking for,' and was taken into custody without further incident. Officers recovered a. 45-caliber semi-automatic handgun and a magazine from his person. In subsequent interviews, Belk expressed regret for his actions, claiming the shooting happened before he had fully thought it through, though he maintained that he believed his wife and son had been threatened.
Prosecutors in Jackson County charged Marvin M. Belk with second-degree murder and armed criminal action in connection with McDaniel's death. At the time of the incident, Joshua Lee McDaniel was described as a dedicated family man who worked as a driver for a concrete company. He was survived by his wife, Jessica, and his two sons. Known for his love of Marvel movies, scary films, and playing pool, he was remembered by his family for his enjoyment of music and fishing.
