On the night of May 4, 2021, the life of 31-year-old Floyd Ross Jr., a Black/African American male, was tragically cut short in Leavenworth, Kansas. At approximately 10:30 p.m., police responded to reports of gunshots in the vicinity of North Fourth and Kiowa streets. Upon their arrival, they discovered Ross in the street, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
He was immediately transported to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.
The news of his violent death sent shockwaves through his family and community, who remembered him as a kind-hearted and generous person. Ross was a loving father to his 3-year-old daughter and was known for his infectious smile and tendency to break out into song. A former track star who had competed in the U.S. Olympic Team Trials, his loss was deeply felt by those who knew him. In the days following his death, friends and family were left searching for answers as police worked to identify any witnesses and generate leads in the homicide investigation.
The investigation led to a significant development approximately two weeks later. A suspect, 21-year-old Cordell Marqueise Stewart of Leavenworth, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with the fatal shooting of Ross. Stewart was taken into custody and held at the Leavenworth County Detention Center. While the specific details of the allegations against Stewart were not immediately made public, the arrest marked a crucial step in the pursuit of justice for Floyd Ross Jr. and his grieving family.
