In the late summer of 2017, a vibrant gathering at a popular Kansas City restaurant took a tragic turn, ending the life of a promising 30-year-old off-duty police officer, Thomas Orr. A Black man, Orr had recently begun what was described as his 'dream job' as a school resource officer at a local middle school, a role he had started just days before his untimely death. He was known for his positive attitude and his dedication to connecting with students.
On the evening of August 20th, he was attending a crowded day party at Californos restaurant in the Westport neighborhood, not as an officer on duty, but as a community member enjoying the event and taking photographs.
The festive atmosphere was shattered when a dispute broke out that did not involve Orr. In the ensuing chaos, gunfire erupted, and Orr was struck. He was an innocent bystander, caught in the crossfire of a conflict he had no part in. A woman was also wounded in the incident but was expected to recover. The sudden violence sent attendees fleeing, and in the immediate aftermath, law enforcement faced challenges in gathering information from the more than 200 people present at the party. Initially, only a handful of witnesses came forward to speak with investigators.
The investigation into Thomas Orr's death led authorities to 22-year-old Sean D. Steward of Kansas City. Eyewitness accounts, along with images shared on social media from the party, were instrumental in identifying Steward as the individual who fired a handgun into the crowd. According to court records, the shooting occurred after one man struck another, causing him to fall. Steward then allegedly began shooting. He was seen fleeing the restaurant and speeding away in a dark-colored Dodge Charger. A month after the shooting, Steward was arrested, and a significant cache of weapons and ammunition was recovered from the location of his arrest.
Sean D. Steward was charged with second-degree murder and armed criminal action in connection with the death of Thomas Orr. In a turn of events just a day after his trial began in October 2018, Steward pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and several other charges, including assault and unlawful possession of a firearm. As part of a plea agreement, he was sentenced to 18 years in prison. During the legal proceedings, Orr's mother expressed her forgiveness towards the man who had taken her son's life, even as the community and the Lee's Summit Police Department mourned the loss of a man who had chosen a career in law enforcement to make a positive difference.
