On a Saturday evening in Kansas City, Missouri, 47-year-old Daniel Vernassie was found shot inside a vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident, which marked the city's 91st homicide of the year, occurred around 8 p.m. on August 10, 2024, in the area of 12th and Bellaire. He was discovered in the front passenger seat of a black Nissan Altima with a gunshot wound to his neck.
An investigation into the shooting led police to an eyewitness who reported that the alleged
shooter had been looking for Vernassie over a belief that he had stolen something from him. The witness recounted being in a car with the suspect on August 10th when the suspect saw Vernassie in the Altima, pulled out a gun, and fired three shots. Another witness who was driving the Altima at the time of the shooting also came forward to the police.
On October 14, 2024, authorities arrested 26-year-old Eduardo A. Damian in connection with the death of Daniel Vernassie. Damian was subsequently charged with second-degree murder, two counts of armed criminal action, and one count of unlawful use of a weapon. At the time of his arrest, Damian was on probation for previous charges of drug possession and unlawful use of a weapon. He is being held without bond pending a bond review hearing.
Born and raised in Kansas City, Daniel Vernassie was remembered for his kind heart and sense of humor. An avid fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, he enjoyed spending time with his family, had a love for dogs, and found comfort in music. In the years leading up to his death, Vernassie struggled with addiction and homelessness.
