On the evening of May 18, 2020, a promising young life was tragically cut short in Kansas City, Kansas. Jesus Jace Abarca, a 17-year-old White / Caucasian male, was inside his home in the 1100 block of Metropolitan Avenue when he was fatally shot. Just days away from his high school graduation, the bright and focused senior at J.C. Harmon High School had his future stolen from him in a senseless act of violence.
Known for his intelligence and kind nature, Jesus was a student of trigonometry, psychology, and architecture with aspirations of becoming a mechanical engineer. He was remembered by a teacher as a force of "immeasurable good humor, kindness and resilience" who was a fiercely loyal friend. His mother, Jenna Stallard, described him as a caring and respectful young man who was her best friend.
In the moments following the shooting, which occurred just before 11:30 p.m., officers who responded to the scene found Jesus with a gunshot wound. He was quickly transported to a local hospital, but tragically, he succumbed to his injuries. The sudden loss devastated his family and friends, leaving a void in the community. His graduation from high school, a milestone he was eagerly anticipating, would never be realized due to both the pandemic's disruption of ceremonies and his untimely death.
Despite the passage of time, no arrests have been made in connection with the murder of Jesus Abarca. The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department has continued to investigate, and while potential suspects have been identified, a lack of sufficient evidence has so far prevented the Wyandotte County District Attorney's office from filing formal charges. His mother remains a vocal advocate for justice, continually appealing to the public for any information that could lead to an arrest and bring closure to a family forever changed by this tragedy. Authorities continue to urge anyone with information to contact the TIPS Hotline.
