A forty-five-year-old man of Laotian descent, Oune Somsanith, was a devoted family man who found a unique way to provide for his loved ones. A father of five from Lee's Summit, Missouri, he often bought and sold items online to generate extra income. Known for his cautious nature, he would meticulously arrange to meet sellers in public places and insist on verifying the authenticity and history of products, particularly electronics, before finalizing any transaction.
His wife, Kelly Somsanith-Hawley, described him as a laid-back and humorous individual who cherished his family and was known for his playful pranks. Having arrived in the United States as a refugee from Laos as a child, he had a strong work ethic and a deep sense of responsibility for his family.
On the afternoon of July 8, 2018, Somsanith traveled to the Brougham Estates I apartments in the 7300 block of Troup Avenue in Kansas City, Kansas. He had arranged to meet a seller to purchase an iPhone 7 that was listed on the mobile sales app, Letgo. Despite his usual precautions, this transaction took a tragic turn. During the encounter, Somsanith was shot. Emergency services were called to the scene at approximately 12:30 p.m., and he was rushed to a nearby hospital. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, Oune Somsanith succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.
In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department launched a homicide investigation. They appealed to the public for any information that might lead to the apprehension of the person or persons responsible for Somsanith's death. The online marketplace, Letgo, released a statement expressing their sorrow and pledging to cooperate fully with the law enforcement investigation. However, in the years that have followed the tragic death of Oune Somsanith, there have been no public announcements regarding any arrests or the identification of any suspects in connection with his murder. The case has seemingly grown cold, leaving his family without answers and a community still searching for justice.
