Indian Mound is a beautiful, historic district in the northeast full of potential, but lately has fallen victim to arguably the highest homicide rate in the city.
Since July 26, if including the recent homicide at 6th and Myrtle, Indian Mound has been home to at least seven homicides.
Manny Abarca is the Indian Mound Neighborhood Association Vice President and has lived in the area for three years.
He says the entire neighborhood is scared and that change has to start with Budd Park.
"It is not uncommon for individuals to escape to this park, and unfortunately, it's too dark for anyone to find them,” said Abarca.
Abarca says the Neighborhood Association has been working closely with the Kansas City Police Department, Kansas City Parks and Recreation and local leaders on how to help transform the district.
Considering budgetary concerns from all fronts, Budd Park appears to be the most immediate and realistic endeavor towards positive change.
“We have taken the position that if we start building the family back up, we start creating opportunities for people to enjoy the park and the resources, that will have a rippling effect,” said Abarca.
A $215,000 PIAC Grant has helped improve security in the park with added cameras and lighting, but much more is needed.
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And aside from rejuvenating Budd Park, Abarca wants to start a massive neighborhood watch program.
According to Kansas City’s ‘Daily Homicide Analysis,’ there have already been 68 homicides in Kansas City this year. Just 47 percent of those killings have been solved so far.
Indian Mound homicides since July 26:
- July 26: Antonio Hernandez – 5200 Thompson
- August 7: Demetri Reed – 500 Drury Avenue
- August 15: Tamara Dominguez – Independence & Spruce
- August 23: William P. Simmons – 300 Oakley Avenue
- September 1: Deangelo Porchia – 5200 St. John
- September 5: J.M. (5 yr. old) – 415 Elmwood
- September 17: Tony Stark – 6th & Myrtle (1 block away from Indian Mound)
The Indian Mound Neighborhood Association has a public meeting planned for 6:30 p.m. Monday at the Northeast Library.
City councilwoman Jolie Justus is expected to be present.
