Chestina Gaskin, a 23-year-old female, died on June 26, 2024, following a shooting incident in Kansas City, Missouri. Police officers responded to the Emerson Manor Apartments in the 2000 block of East Linwood Boulevard around noon after receiving reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, first responders discovered Gaskin inside an apartment suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. Despite emergency efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Gaskin was six months pregnant at the time of her death and had recently obtained her cosmetology license, with family members describing her as excited about her future motherhood.
Investigators learned that Gaskin had been in the apartment with her ex-boyfriend, 22-year-old Travon Oliver, and a witness. According to court documents, an argument ensued between the former couple after Oliver accused Gaskin of infidelity. The witness reported that the confrontation escalated physically, with Oliver allegedly choking Gaskin to demonstrate his capacity for violence. The situation culminated when a handgun was introduced into the dispute; while the witness attempted to intervene, Oliver reportedly gained control of the weapon and fatally shot Gaskin.
Following the shooting, Oliver exited the building and disposed of the firearm in nearby bushes, where it was later recovered by a police K-9 unit. During the initial investigation, Oliver claimed that four intruders had entered the apartment and shot Gaskin, but he later recanted this story, admitting to detectives that he was holding the gun when it discharged, though he characterized the shooting as accidental. Prosecutors charged Travon Oliver with second-degree murder, unlawful criminal action, and two counts of unlawful use of a weapon. A judge set his bond at $150,000.
