In the quiet town of Coffeyville, Kansas, the life of 39-year-old Black / African American man, Ramon Martel Burnett, was tragically cut short on the evening of Saturday, February 3, 2024. At approximately 6:55 p.m., the sound of gunfire shattered the peace in the 1400 block of West 10th Street, prompting a swift response from the Coffeyville Police Department. Upon their arrival, officers discovered Burnett suffering from gunshot wounds.
Emergency medical services were immediately dispatched and transported him to a local hospital, but sadly, he was later pronounced deceased.
The investigation into Burnett's death quickly led to the identification and arrest of two suspects. William R. McGinnis, a 50-year-old from South Coffeyville, Oklahoma, and his 28-year-old nephew, Michael L. McGinnis Jr., of Liberty, Kansas, were taken into custody in connection with the fatal shooting. Initially, law enforcement recommended charges of second-degree murder for both men. However, as the investigation progressed, the charges against both William and Michael McGinnis were elevated to the more severe charge of first-degree murder. Further investigation revealed additional allegations against the uncle and nephew, including drug-related charges and aggravated endangering of a child. Michael McGinnis Jr. was reported to have a history of previous convictions for various offenses.
Ramon Martel Burnett, born on March 9, 1984, in Coffeyville, was a man of many talents and a familiar face in his community. He had dedicated his time to various professions, including working in nursing homes, the food industry, and as a home health aide. Burnett was also a skilled welder, specializing in automotive collision and repair, and had more recently taken up breeding French bulldogs. He was a family man, married to Vanessa Garcia, and a father to several children. His community involvement extended to his attendance at the First Church Family Worship Center. His sudden and violent death left his family and the Coffeyville community to grapple with a profound loss. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding his murder continues, with the Coffeyville Police Department, the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation all contributing to the case.
