On the evening of April 4, 2016, Gary E. Cutchlow Sr., a 60-year-old Black male, was enjoying a visit with his family in Kansas City, Missouri. A self-employed construction worker known for his love of fishing and barbecuing, Gary had spent the afternoon on the 3200 block of South Benton Avenue laughing and joking with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
It was his first time out of the house in weeks after recovering from a bout of the flu, and he had made a spontaneous decision to stop by and see the younger generations of his family.
Around 6:30 p.m., as the visit came to an end, Gary prepared to leave. He paused on the front porch to speak with one of his granddaughters, standing near the children who were playing outside in the cool spring air. At that moment, a vehicle passing by the residence unleashed a volley of gunfire toward the house. Witnesses and family members later recounted that Gary’s instinct was to protect the children, acting as a shield against the bullets. During the chaos, he was struck by the gunfire, and a second individual at the scene sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Emergency responders arrived at the residence to find Gary suffering from gunshot wounds. He was rushed to a nearby hospital where medical personnel attempted to save his life, but he ultimately succumbed to his injuries. His death marked the city's 23rd homicide of that year. Family members, including his longtime girlfriend and daughter, mourned him as a hero who died doing what he loved most—taking care of his family.
Detectives from the Kansas City Police Department launched an investigation into the drive-by shooting, combing the scene for evidence and searching for a motive. Despite their efforts and pleas to the community for information through the TIPS Hotline, the case went cold. As of late 2025, reports indicate that no suspects have been identified or apprehended in connection with the murder, and no charges have been filed. The investigation remains open as authorities continue to seek leads that might bring closure to the unsolved case.
