In the late hours of a Thursday night in Independence, Missouri, a violent home invasion tragically cut short the life of Robert Smith Jr. On June 12, 2025, just before midnight, police were called to a residence on South Brookside Avenue where they discovered a grim scene. Inside the home, three people had been shot. Robert Smith Jr. was found deceased, having been fatally wounded.
An adult woman and a juvenile were also found with gunshot wounds; the woman was in critical condition, while the juvenile, despite being shot three times, was able to call for help.
The harrowing events unfolded when a man wearing a gas mask forced his way into the house through a side door, repeatedly demanding to know the whereabouts of 'Rob'. The intruder then opened fire, killing Smith. During the terrifying ordeal, five children, with ages ranging from seven months to nine years old, were ushered into a back bedroom for safety. The gunman, however, forced the bedroom door open and shot the woman and the juvenile before making his escape.
The investigation quickly led to a suspect, Robert L. Cordato, who was apprehended the following day in the nearby community of Blue Summit. Witnesses were able to identify Cordato by his voice and his walk, despite the gas mask he was wearing. An acquaintance between Cordato and one of the injured victims also pointed to him as the perpetrator. When he was taken into custody, authorities reportedly found methamphetamine in his possession.
Prosecutors have since charged Robert L. Cordato with a litany of serious offenses, including first-degree murder for the death of Robert Smith Jr. He also faces multiple counts of first-degree assault, first-degree burglary, four counts of armed criminal action, and unlawful possession of a firearm. A judge set his bond at $750,000, cash-only. During his time in custody, and before being informed of the number of victims, Cordato reportedly made a 'spontaneous statement' inquiring if he was being charged with 'two first-degree murder counts'.
