In the summer of 2025, a violent encounter in Kansas City, Missouri, led to the death of 45-year-old Monroe Mitchell. On the evening of Sunday, July 27th, police were called to the area of 18th and Prospect after reports of a shooting. The investigation quickly led them to a grassy area near a convenience store at 18th and Benton Boulevard, where they discovered Mitchell's body.
He had sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators learned that the incident stemmed from a domestic dispute. Mitchell had reportedly been in a relationship with the mother of the man who would be accused of his murder. Just days before the fatal shooting, Mitchell and the woman had an argument, which may have turned physical, leading to him being kicked out of her house.
On the evening of the shooting, the woman's son, identified as 30-year-old Lee Burks III, arrived at her home. Shortly after, he is alleged to have driven his black Chevrolet Malibu to the convenience store where he confronted Mitchell. According to a witness, Burks approached Mitchell and fired approximately five shots. Mitchell attempted to flee but tripped and fell down a small hill. The witness stated that Burks then followed him and fired several more shots into his head before running from the scene. The entire tragic event was captured by the convenience store's security cameras.
In the days following the shooting, Lee Burks III was charged with second-degree murder, unlawful use of a weapon, and two counts of armed criminal action. Despite the charges, he was not immediately taken into custody. Police had a history of involvement with Mitchell and his girlfriend, with at least one prior police report also involving Burks.
