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Man who fatally shot car thief on Blue Ridge Blvd. charged with murder

Man dead in attempted carjacking on Blue Ridge
Posted at 6:27 AM, Nov 29, 2018
and last updated 2018-11-29 23:20:24-05

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Deandre Simms has been charged with second-degree murder and armed criminal action in connection with an early morning shooting at a convenience store in south Kansas City.

Simms, 24, is accused of fatally shooting Keith A. Michael in the parking lot of a gas station in the 5000 block of Blue Ridge Blvd.

Kansas City, Missouri, police were responding to a shooting around 3 a.m. and found Michael dead in the driver’s seat of a dark-colored sedan.

Simms told police he shot Michael as he attempted to steal the vehicle, which Simms left running as he entered the store.

According to a release from the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office announcing the charges, Simms watched Michael exit another vehicle, walked toward the sedan and enter the driver’s side.

Simms then exited the store and shot Michael.

Surveillance video shows Simms, who said he didn’t know Michael and didn’t notice the victim with a weapon, opening fire as Michael attempted to enter Simms’ vehicle.

Three subjects of interest were taken into custody at the scene and were cooperating, the police said.
Prosecutors have requested a $100,000 bond.

Thursday evening, KCPD released a photo of a vehicle whose occupants may have witnessed the shooting. Anyone with any information on the vehicle or its occupants is asked to contact the homicide unit at 816-234-5034.