In a tragic turn of events on a Sunday evening in Kansas City, Missouri, 55-year-old Juan Zubia lost his life. On August 16, 2015, Zubia was with five other people at 10th Street and Spruce Avenue when they were approached by a man intent on robbery. The assailant, Travis M. Still, then 27 years old, brandished a handgun and demanded money from the group in Spanish.
The situation quickly escalated when the victims did not respond quickly enough for the gunman.
Still fired a warning shot into the ground, prompting the victims to hand over their money, which included 40 Mexican pesos from one individual. Unsatisfied, Still fired another shot into the ground, put the gun to the head of one of the victims who had not given him any money, and struck another victim in the head with his weapon.
In a moment of bravery, a third person in the group managed to knock the handgun to the ground. As Still lunged for the weapon, a struggle ensued. While on the ground, Still fired several more shots, striking Juan Zubia twice in the abdomen. The other victims then managed to subdue Still, taking the handgun away from him.
One of the victims immediately called 911, and they held Still at the scene until police arrived. Both Zubia and another injured person, along with Still, were transported to Truman Medical Center. Tragically, Juan Zubia succumbed to his injuries and died the following day. Travis M. Still was taken into custody and subsequently charged with second-degree murder, four counts of attempted robbery, and five counts of armed criminal action. He was held on a $300,000 bond.
