KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker has charged Arieous K. Walton-Merritt in connection with Thursdays homicide in Independence.
According to court records filed today, Independence police were dispatched to the 18800 block of E. Wigwam Place on a shooting.
There officers found Matthew Bland-Williams in front of the residence. He was transported to Centerpoint Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.
Police soon found a second scene, after Walton-Merritt collapsed in front of another Independence residence suffering gunshots. He was transported to North Kansas City Hospital.
Surveillance video from a neighbor of the Wigwam scene showed that Walton-Merritt fired two shots at Bland-Williams before a struggle began. Bland-Williams was able to get the gun from Walton-Merritt and fired shots as he drove away.
Peters Baker has filed Murder in the 2nd Degree, and Armed Criminal Action charges. Walton-Merritt is also currently on probation through the state of Missouri for Assault 2nd Degree and Armed Criminal Action. Peters Baker requested a $100,000.00 bond.
