On the evening of July 21, 2024, in Kansas City, Kansas, the life of 18-year-old Branden Jamal Baskin, a Black/African American male, was tragically cut short. Deputies from the Wyandotte County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to Klamm Park at approximately 6:30 p.m. following reports of a shooting. Upon their arrival at the park, located at 2515 N.
27th Street, they discovered Branden's body; he had succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
The investigation into the homicide led to the swift apprehension of three individuals: two adults and one juvenile. As the case progressed, the Wyandotte County District Attorney's Office filed charges against one of the adults, 21-year-old LaRon Jaka Belcher III. He was charged with first-degree murder in connection with Branden's death. Court documents that were later released indicated that the fatal shooting occurred during an attempt by Belcher to sell or distribute a controlled substance.
Branden was a lifelong resident of Kansas City, born on December 6, 2005. He was remembered for his radiant smile that could light up a room. He had a passion for riding dirt bikes and enjoyed spending his time working on cars with his grandfather. His death, the 16th homicide in Kansas City, Kansas, for 2024, left a significant void in the lives of his family and friends. Following the initial arrests, LaRon Jaka Belcher III was booked into the Wyandotte County Jail with his bond set at $200,000. The other two suspects who were taken into custody were not publicly charged with murder.
