On December 9, 2024, the life of 17-year-old female Cierra 'CeeCee' Marshelle Pennington was tragically cut short in a double homicide in Kansas City, Missouri. The incident occurred in the afternoon at the Charter Landing Apartments, located in the 6000 block of Blue Hills Road. Cierra was in a vehicle in the parking lot alongside 19-year-old Deontae Marchbanks when the violence unfolded.
Family members later described Cierra as a creative spirit who aspired to become an esthetician and hairstylist, remembering her as the 'life of the party' who brought happiness to those around her.
Surveillance footage captured the harrowing sequence of events leading to the deaths of the two teenagers. The video showed Linda S. Ater, an 18-year-old acquaintance, arriving at the apartment complex in the same Nissan Sentra as the victims; Marchbanks was driving, and Cierra was in the front passenger seat. Ater was seen exiting the vehicle and crossing the parking lot to speak with individuals in a Chevrolet Malibu that had arrived around the same time. Moments later, Ater returned to the Nissan armed with a handgun and attempted to fire at the victims. Detectives believe her weapon malfunctioned, as she was seen pulling the trigger multiple times without effect. She then retreated to the backseat of the Malibu. Following her failed attempt, another suspect from the Malibu fired multiple shots into the Nissan, striking both Cierra and Marchbanks. Cierra was reportedly shot as she attempted to flee the vehicle.
Police officers responded to the scene around 3:30 p.m. after reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, they discovered the two victims unresponsive in the car, suffering from gunshot wounds. Deontae Marchbanks was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical personnel. Cierra was transported to a local hospital in critical condition, where she succumbed to her injuries a short time later. Investigators recovered over two dozen shell casings from the area, marking the incident as a double homicide.
Authorities quickly identified suspects through the surveillance evidence and investigation. Linda S. Ater was arrested in early January 2025 and initially charged with accessory to second-degree murder and armed criminal action. In April 2025, Ater pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, armed criminal action, and unlawful use of a weapon. She was sentenced to 21 years in prison for her role in the killings. While Ater was the first to be convicted, court documents indicated that at least two other suspects were identified in connection with the shooting. Reports from April 2025 suggested that another individual, Terrell Simpson, was also charged as authorities continued their efforts to bring all those responsible to justice.
