KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Prosecutors have charged Marcus Kennedy, 44, with the Jan. 7th shooting death of Donald Donato, gunned down in the parking lot of Price Chopper located at 5800 Wilson Ave., in Kansas City, Mo.
Kennedy faces one count second-degree murder and one count armed criminal action.
According to police documents, a witness told authorities she and Donato were inside the Price Chopper around 1:15 p.m. on Jan. 7. She said she first saw Kennedy in the store and believed him to be staring at her, which made her uncomfortable. She said when she exited the store, Kennedy asked her if she wanted some marijuana. She refused and said Kennedy walked away.
According to police records, after she told Donato that Kennedy had marijuana, Donato said he wanted to see what he had. Donato approached Kennedy, and according to the woman, received at least one clear plastic sandwich bag that appeared to contain marijuana. The woman told police Donato then turned and began running away from Kennedy. The woman said as Donato ran away, Kennedy pulled about a black handgun and shot the victim two times in the back. The woman said she pointed out the suspect to a security officer.
Another security officer who was working in the area told authorities he heard two shots and responded to the scene. He said he saw a man lying on the ground and a woman nearby screaming for help. The security officer said the woman pointed at Kennedy and said he shot Donato. At this time, the security officer said Kennedy took off running The security officer chased him and apprehended him a block away.
Donato was taken to an area hospital where he later died.
