A 19-year-old Missouri man faces second-degree murder charges after allegedly shooting his sister's ex-boyfriend with an automatic rifle in Kansas City. Police say the victim shielded his mother during the attack near 55th Street and Chestnut Avenue on March 10. The incident stemmed from tensions after the couple's breakup.
Ke'Montae Phillips, 19, has been charged with second-degree murder and armed criminal action following a shooting on March 10 in Kansas City, Missouri, according to court records and a probable cause affidavit from the Jackson County Prosecutor's Office. The victim, whose age was not disclosed, had recently ended his relationship with Phillips' sister, which police described as having gone 'sour.' About a week before the shooting, Phillips confronted the victim while he walked with his mother, making statements about the failed relationship, the affidavit states. On the day of the incident, near 55th Street and Chestnut Avenue by 71 Highway, the victim met his mother and seemed scared, telling her 'they are following me.' He had a rifle tucked into his pants. As they entered an intersection, Phillips approached on foot, reportedly saying something like 'you clutching?' before producing a rifle-style weapon equipped with a red laser light. He then fired an automatic weapon at them. The victim shielded his mother as they fled on foot and was struck by gunfire. She performed CPR on him while neighbors gathered to assist. Police recovered at least 35 shell casings from the scene. Surveillance footage from the city and dashcam videos captured the events, including a sedan that circled the area and followed the pair before Phillips exited it. Automated license plate readers helped track the vehicle. After his arrest, Phillips denied involvement when shown photos and video stills, claiming the person resembled 'his twin.' He also identified the victim as 'the guy that got murdered' before detectives specified the case. Phillips is held on a $250,000 cash-only bond, with a bond review hearing scheduled for Wednesday and a preliminary hearing on April 15.