KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City police are investigating after a child was shot and killed inside an apartment at a complex near 19th and Topping Thursday morning at about 10:30 a.m.
FOX 4’s Robert Townsend is on the scene and says the victim is a 3-year-old boy. Police interviewed others in the apartment at the time and have not determined or released whether the child was shot by someone else, whether the shooting was accidental, or whether the child got a hold of the gun himself. They are working to find these answers.
At about 2:15 p.m., Kansas City Police Chief Darryl Forte tweeted some additional information, informing the public that the boy was not killed as a result of a drive-by shooting.
As police continue to conduct interviews, FOX 4 will remain on the scene. FOX 4’s Robert Townsend reports that family and friends were arriving at the apartment. FOX 4 spoke to a cousin of the family who says the 3-year-old victim was one of three kids and that his mom is pregnant.
Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker, who has been outspoken about violence against children, arrived at the scene, as did Police Chief Darryl Forte. The president of the anti-crime group, ‘KC Mothers in Charge’ also came out and was seen comforting a crying woman.
Police say paramedics tried to save the boy, but could not.
Townsend asked how many people were inside the apartment at the time of the shooting, but police had not yet determined the number.
Below is the tweet from Chief Forte, who first reported the tragedy.
Check FOX 4 newscasts and the FOX 4 app for updates.
