Family of Kansas City man murdered in 2019 still looking for justice
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — On what would have been his 40th birthday, the family of a Kansas City man, who was brutally murdered, are still on the hunt for justice.
“You got away with murder and that’s just what it was – there’s nothing I can do about it but I hope you know what you did,” JD Calkins said.
KCPD investigating double shooting at Northland Thriftway
The person prosecutors believe committed the crime, acquitted of first-degree murder.
The jury finding the man guilty on two lesser charges, that could see him getting out of prison within the next two years.
“Matt was the kind of guy to give the shirt off his back for anybody,” JD said.
Matthew Calkins, everything you would want in a person, kind, nice, loved everyone and despite being deaf, he didn’t let that stop him.
His bond with his brother, some would say unbreakable, for them it was deeper than that until it wasn’t.
“I couldn’t do the things – I couldn’t – he wasn’t there to see special events in my life, and he’ll never be able to see that and that’s what most devastating about it,” JD, Matthew Calkins brother said.
KC councilmember’s undocumented immigrants resolution fails to advance
In May of 2019 police responded to a shooting call when they got to the home, they smelled smoke.
They would later discover Matthew Calkins body. He was shot, dismembered and then burned.
Up until this day the only part of his body recovered is his torso.
Police arrested Colton Stock on scene. He was charged with multiple felonies including first-degree murder.
“We just want to know if you would ever let us know where the body parts are,” JD said.
There was even a witness to the murder or so the state thought.
Because two months later, that star witness, 56-year-old Floyd Wood, was a stabbed to death by Jessica Kenley, who was known to Stock.
In winter of 2022 a jury heard the case without the star witness. Stock was found guilty of only two felonies, acquitted of the murder charge and sentenced to only 8 years behind bars.
Now all JD has left of his brother is an ‘I love you’ in sign language tattoo. As it goes the arc of justice just won’t ever bend their way.
“He was a great person, a great brother – I love him, I miss him, and I’ll see him one day in heaven,” JD said.
Jessica Kenley is currently behind bars after pleading guilty to Woods death, she’s serving a 15-year sentence.
Download the FOX4 News app on iPhone and Android
As for Matthew, Tuesday would have marked his 40th birthday, the family as they do every year got together to celebrate his life, a life that should still be here with them.
