A suspect has been charged in connection to Thursday afternoon’s deadly shooting in south Kansas City. Jackson County prosecutors have charged Gregory J. Foster with second-degree murder and armed criminal action. The shooting occurred near E. 117th Street and Troost Avenue, south of Minor Park.
According to court documents, the police responded to a call about a shooting just after 3 p.m. The person who called stated that he had shot someone in his basement and left the back door open for the officers. When the officers arrived, they found the deceased victim, identified as 50-year-old John Buckley, covered with a towel and spent shell castings nearby.
Foster told detectives that he found a note from the victim, who shared the residence with him, stating that he had three days to move out. Foster then retrieved his Glock 17 handgun and went downstairs to the basement where he found the victim sitting on the couch watching television. Without hesitation, Foster approached the victim and fired multiple shots into his chest until he collapsed.
Afterward, Foster went upstairs, got a blanket from the closet, and returned to cover the victim. The motive behind the shooting is believed to be the victim’s request for Foster to move out of the residence.
Foster has been taken into custody and is awaiting trial. If convicted, he could face significant prison time for the charges brought against him.
This incident has shaken the local community, as residents are left shocked and saddened by the violence that occurred in their neighborhood. The police are urging anyone with additional information about the shooting to come forward and assist in the investigation.
The tragedy serves as a reminder of the importance of resolving conflicts peacefully and seeking help or mediation when tensions arise. It is essential for individuals to find non-violent ways to address their grievances and differences to prevent such tragic outcomes.
