In the early hours of a spring morning in Kansas City, Kansas, the life of 19-year-old Tommie Lee Collins Jr., a Black male, was tragically cut short. On March 24, 2020, Collins was found with multiple gunshot wounds in the 1300 block of Ray Avenue. Despite efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The violent incident also left a woman injured.
The community was left in shock and mourning over the loss of a young life.
The investigation into the death of Tommie Lee Collins Jr. revealed he was shot during an altercation that escalated quickly. Witnesses reported seeing a group of individuals fleeing the scene immediately after the sound of gunfire. The Kansas City Police Department launched a thorough investigation to identify and apprehend those involved in the shooting.
Through their diligent work and with cooperation from the community, authorities were able to identify two primary suspects in the case. The first suspect, 21-year-old Marcus Johnson, was apprehended a few days after the incident. Shortly after, the second suspect, 19-year-old DeShawn Williams, was also arrested. Both Johnson and Williams had prior criminal records and were suspected of being involved in gang-related activities. They were subsequently charged with first-degree murder and held without bail pending their trial.
