In Kansas City, a mother's quest for justice continues years after her son was fatally beaten. James Rodgers, a 35-year-old father of three, was the victim of a brutal attack on July 6, 2009, near the intersection of E. 6th Street and Monroe Avenue in the city's northeast neighborhood. The assault left him with fatal injuries from blunt force trauma. Despite the passage of time, no arrests have been made, and no suspects have been publicly identified, leaving his family in a painful state of uncertainty.
On the day he was killed, James had spoken with his mother, Zelpha Rodgers, and had made plans to live with her. He had also secured a new job and was intending to seek help for addiction, signaling a hopeful new chapter in his life that was tragically cut short. After being attacked, he reportedly tried to get help at a nearby Family Dollar before succumbing to his injuries.
In the months and years following her son's death, Zelpha Rodgers has tirelessly sought answers, even taking it upon herself to speak with people in the neighborhood where her son was killed. She has expressed frustration with the lack of progress in the police investigation, stating that she has received little new information from detectives.
The Kansas City Police Department maintains that the case is still an open investigation and that they follow up on any leads they receive. The family has held vigils to honor James's memory and to plead with the public for any information that could lead to an arrest. They emphasize that James was a loving father whose children are now left without him. The case remains unsolved. A cash reward is available for any information that leads to an arrest in connection with his murder.
