On what should have been a joyous celebration of her 28th birthday, Jasity 'Jas' Strong's life was tragically cut short in a mass shooting in Kansas City, Missouri. The incident occurred in the early morning hours of June 25, 2023, at an auto repair shop known for hosting after-hours gatherings at the intersection of 57th Street and Prospect Avenue. Strong, a mother of two young children, was among three people killed in the shooting that also left six others wounded.
Two other victims who lost their lives were identified as 22-year-old Nikko Manning and 27-year-old Camden Brown.
Known as a vibrant and caring woman, Jasity was a certified nursing assistant who was inspired to enter the healthcare field after witnessing the care her grandmother received. Her family described her as the life of the party, a dedicated mother to her son and daughter, and a loving sister, cousin, and niece. She was celebrating her birthday with friends and was expected at her mother's home for a family party later that day. The family home, affectionately called 'Club Mama's House,' was a frequent gathering spot for loved ones.
In the aftermath of the shooting, authorities identified 26-year-old Keivon Greene as a suspect. Greene was charged with three counts of murder, including a felony murder charge in connection to Strong's death. Prosecutors stated that while it was unclear if Greene fired the fatal shot that killed Strong, he initiated the chain of events that led to the shooting. Greene was also charged with two counts of second-degree murder for the deaths of Brown and Manning, in addition to assault and gun-related crimes.
The loss of Jasity Strong has had a profound and lasting impact on her family, particularly her two young children. Her mother, Tamika Jenkins, has spoken about the immense grief and the challenge of explaining the absence of their mother to her children. The tragic event also spurred Strong's aunt to organize a petition to restrict the concealed carry of firearms in large gathering places, hoping to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The community mourned with the family, holding a balloon release at Longview Lake to honor the memory of a woman described as having a bright and beautiful spirit.
