On a Tuesday evening in Kansas City, Missouri, the life of Craig Washington, a 41-year-old man, was tragically cut short. The fatal encounter occurred on November 18, 2025, inside the Phillips 66 Xpress Mart on Prospect Avenue where Washington was working. Known as a familiar and respected face in the neighborhood, he was a man who was known for his kindness, often feeding the homeless and looking out for those in his community.
The night of the incident, Washington was at his job when
an argument broke out between a customer and another individual. According to reports, Adrian Stallings, 27, became confrontational after he believed someone was laughing at him while he was purchasing liquor. Washington, in an attempt to de-escalate the situation, stepped in to intervene. It was then that Stallings allegedly brandished a 9mm pistol and opened fire, striking Washington multiple times. Police who responded to the scene found Washington unresponsive on the ground with several gunshot wounds. Despite their efforts to render aid, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators later recovered seventeen 9mm shell casings from the convenience store.
Through witness interviews and a review of the store's surveillance footage, detectives were able to identify Adrian Stallings as the suspect. His face tattoos, visible in the video, were matched with previous booking photos. A few days after the shooting, Stallings was arrested. The Jackson County Prosecutor's Office subsequently charged him with second-degree murder, armed criminal action, and unlawful possession of a firearm. Stallings is being held without bond at the Jackson County Detention Center. Washington, a beloved father of four, was remembered by his family and community for his loyalty, sense of humor, and dedication to his loved ones.
