Investigation continues into deadly shooting at Blue Springs park
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. — Detectives with the Blue Springs Police Department continue to investigate a deadly shooting that happened just after 10:30 p.m. on Saturday near the sand volleyball courts at Wilbur Young Park.
Nineteen-year-old LaDronal Hamilton Jr. of Kansas City, Missouri, and 20-year-old Karmello Matlock of Independence, were both shot and later pronounced dead at local hospitals.
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A 17-year-old was also injured but is expected to recover.
“We have shut down our entire investigation unit and are now working this case as hard as we can,” Blue Springs Police Detective Sgt. Keegan Hughes said. “We’re following up on hundreds of leads and watching hours of video. We have about 100 young people who were at that park that night that we need to interview. If somebody is watching this and was at that park that night, and we haven’t spoken to you, please call our dispatch at (816)-228-0152. “
The police department hasn’t released information about possible suspects. Hughes said BSPD is still following leads.
Hughes said the incident Saturday night was captured on park surveillance cameras. The footage will be critical for the investigation.
“We had this entire incident on camera. For us, when you can actually see with your own eyes what occurred, It’s pretty big,” Hughes said.
He encourages parents to talk to their children about what to do if they are in a situation that escalates.
“In a situation like this, you can watch it on camera, and you can tell the mood changes. You can’t hear what’s going on, but you can see the mood changes in the park,” Hughes explained.”A lot of people start leaving. There’s going to be signs before a big fight. Usually, people crowding into one area, aggressive yelling. That’s the time that you want to leave. You want to get in your car. There is a walking path; if you can’t get to your car, walk away the other way, call the police, and come. We can get there and hopefully make it safe.”
Detectives haven’t determined whether the victims knew each other.
Kimberly Jolliff lives near the park and says it’s usually a quiet neighborhood, but the recent shooting made her uneasy.
“I’m emotional. I mean, I’ve thought about it for the last few days. I have young children myself, and my heart goes out to the families. It’s devastating,” Jolliff said.
“Blue Springs police, I have a lot of admiration for them, and I know they’re top-notch,” Jolliff said. “I think there needs to be more surveillance, especially at parks, especially in spring and summer, when kids are getting out of school.”
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Anybody with information that could help detectives solve this case should call the Blue Springs Police Department at (816) 228-0151.
“Two young lives were taken, and if you have information that can lead to help provide justice for their families and for these victims, come forward,” Hughes explained. “Even if you think you have a small detail, you may have seen one little thing. That one little thing can be the final piece of the puzzle. Please call us and tell us what you have. We will have one of our detectives speak with you and get your information, and you can remain anonymous.”
