In a tragic turn of events on November 9, 2020, 21-year-old Christopher Bell III, a Black / African American male, lost his life in a fatal shooting inside a home on the east side of Wichita, Kansas. The incident unfolded in the 900 block of North Ridgewood, where a disturbance escalated into violence, leading to Bell being shot multiple times. He was privately transported to a local hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
The investigation into the homicide quickly pointed to a suspect,
Leroy Gunter, who was 18 years old at the time. Authorities determined that the shooting was not a random act of violence. Gunter had reportedly gone to Bell's residence with others under the pretense of purchasing marijuana. Once inside, Gunter shot Bell in his bedroom while stealing his handgun. Following the shooting, Gunter fled the scene but eventually turned himself in to the police.
During the investigation, Gunter claimed that the initial shot was an accident, stating his gun discharged unintentionally after Bell grabbed it. He further alleged that he fired two more shots because he was scared of what Bell might do. However, this narrative was contradicted by evidence uncovered by the Wichita Police Department. Investigators found Facebook messages sent by Gunter just moments before the shooting, in which he indicated his intent to commit a robbery. Further investigation revealed that Gunter later attempted to sell the stolen handgun through Snapchat to an undercover police officer.
Leroy Gunter was arrested and faced multiple charges, including first-degree intentional murder, aggravated robbery, criminal possession of a weapon by a felon, and aggravated assault. In a plea agreement, some of the initial charges were amended or dismissed. Gunter ultimately pleaded no contest to voluntary manslaughter and aggravated robbery. A Sedgwick County judge sentenced him to 22 years and 11 months in prison for his role in the death of Christopher Bell III.
