In the heart of Kansas City, Kansas, a cherished neighborhood institution became the scene of a tragic and violent end for its proprietor, Dennis Edwards. On the afternoon of July 10, 2019, the 62-year-old White male was fatally shot inside his family's business, Edwards Original Corner Market & Deli, a place he had reopened to serve the community he grew up in.
The market, located at 81 North Mill Street, was a landmark where Edwards was known for his generosity, often giving food to those who couldn't pay.
The events of that Wednesday afternoon unfolded from a domestic dispute that spilled into the public space of the deli. A man, later identified as Jermelle Byers, followed his girlfriend, 42-year-old Lachell Day, into the market after an argument. Inside, Byers opened fire, shooting Day. In an act of bravery, Dennis Edwards attempted to intervene and protect his customer and his establishment. For his efforts, he too was shot by the assailant.
What followed was a tense standoff with law enforcement. When Kansas City, Kansas police officers arrived at the scene around 3 p.m., they were met by Byers, who pointed a handgun at them. The officers retreated and a two-hour standoff ensued as Byers barricaded himself inside the market. A SWAT team and an armored vehicle were called to the scene. After negotiations, officers entered the building and took Byers into custody. He had sustained a gunshot wound during the confrontation with police.
Inside the market, officers found a devastating scene. Dennis Edwards was deceased, and Lachell Day was critically injured. Initially, it was reported that both victims had died, but medical personnel discovered that Day had a faint pulse. She was rushed to a hospital but tragically succumbed to her injuries later.
The aftermath of the shooting sent ripples of grief through the community that held Dennis Edwards in high regard. His brother, David Edwards, remembered him as "the greatest person in the world." The family, who had lived above the store for years, ultimately decided to permanently close the beloved market.
Jermelle Byers was arrested and faced charges for the killings. In August 2021, he pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree felony murder for the deaths of Dennis Edwards and Lachell Day. He also pleaded guilty to aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer. Subsequently, Byers was sentenced to two life sentences in prison. He will not be eligible for parole until March 2071.
