Jacarious I. McKissic, a 23-year-old male, was a talented athlete and dedicated friend originally from Opelika, Alabama, who had relocated to Kansas City, Missouri. Known to his loved ones as 'Zelli' or 'Isaiah,' he was a former student of Beauregard High School and had attended Alcorn State and Highland Community College. He was an active player for minor league football teams, including the Kansas City Bulldogs and the North Kansas City Knights, where he was remembered for his energetic
spirit and infectious smile. His life was cut short following a violent encounter late on the night of May 31, 2024.
On that evening, McKissic was visiting a residence in the 600 block of East 110th Terrace in the Red Bridge North neighborhood of Kansas City. While inside the home, he became involved in a verbal altercation with another man, Justyn Reedus. Witnesses reported that McKissic attempted to de-escalate the situation by gathering his belongings and trying to leave the premises. As he exited the house, Reedus followed him onto the front porch. Surveillance footage from the scene captured the ensuing moments, showing Reedus shoving McKissic off the porch before drawing a handgun and firing multiple shots at him. McKissic was struck several times and collapsed in the front yard.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene around 11:30 p.m. and transported McKissic to a local hospital. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead, with his official date of death recorded as June 1, 2024. The brutal nature of the shooting, particularly the fact that the victim was attempting to retreat, was highlighted by investigators who reviewed the video evidence. Reedus fled the scene initially but turned himself in to the Kansas City Police Department on June 7, 2024.
Legal proceedings against Reedus moved forward over the following year. He was charged with second-degree murder, unlawful use of a weapon, and armed criminal action. In December 2025, just days before his trial was set to begin, Reedus entered a guilty plea to the charge of second-degree murder. As part of the plea agreement, the additional charges were dismissed. On January 6, 2026, a judge sentenced Reedus to 20 years in prison for the killing, bringing a measure of closure to the case.
