On a Saturday evening in Kansas City, Missouri, what began as a dispute outside a local bar tragically escalated, ending the life of 42-year-old Derrick Wren. Just before 8 p.m. on April 23, 2016, Wren was standing outside a bar at 57th Street and Troost Avenue when he was fatally shot. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but ultimately succumbed to his injuries, marking the city's 28th homicide of the year.
The investigation into Wren's death revealed that an argument preceded the deadly
shooting. Surveillance footage from outside the bar captured a physical altercation between Wren and two other men. During the fight, one of the men shot Wren multiple times. Investigators at the scene collected nine shell casings, as well as personal items, including a pair of broken eyeglasses.
The trail of evidence, including the distinct eyeglasses and surveillance footage, led police to identify a suspect. A 37-year-old Kansas City man, Ray A. Johnson, was later arrested and charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action in connection with Wren's death. Witnesses identified Johnson as the shooter. According to court records, Johnson was taken into custody and, during an interview with detectives, mentioned that he had recently purchased new eyeglasses. He also had a black eye. Prosecutors requested a $500,000 bond for Johnson.
