In the early morning hours of December 28, 2017, a domestic disturbance in Independence, Missouri, tragically ended the life of 50-year-old Teddis 'Teddy' Burns-El. The incident unfolded around 3 a.m. at a residence in the 1400 block of Osage Street.
Events escalated when William M. Miller-Kirkland, then 26 years old, arrived at the home he shared with his mother and her fiancé, Burns-El. An argument ensued between Miller-Kirkland and Burns-El.
Miller-Kirkland's mother reported to police that her son was yelling at Burns-El while holding a gun. In a desperate attempt to de-escalate the situation, she tried to disarm her son. Despite her efforts, Miller-Kirkland fired the weapon, striking Burns-El in the arm.
After Burns-El fell to the floor, Miller-Kirkland stood over him and fired multiple additional shots. He then fled the scene in a white SUV. Responding officers located Miller-Kirkland in the vehicle and, after a brief pursuit, took him into custody. Investigators found 14 spent shell casings inside the home. Burns-El was transported to Centerpoint Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
William M. Miller-Kirkland was subsequently charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action. In September 2019, a Jackson County jury found him guilty on both counts.
