Melquan T. West-Yancey, Zafir A. Perkins, and Frederick Outley: Victims of Deadly Shootings at 9th and Prospect in Kansas City

Over the past five years, the intersection of 9th and Prospect Avenue in Kansas City has been the site of multiple fatal shootings, each leaving a profound impact on the community. This article provides a detailed account of these tragic events, offering insights into the victims’ lives, the circumstances surrounding their deaths, and the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to seek justice. (Kansas City police investigate homicide …)

1. Melquan T. West-Yancey: A Life Cut Short

On the evening of March 1, 2020, at approximately 7:37 p.m., Kansas City Police Department (KCPD) officers responded to a reported shooting at 9th and Prospect Avenue. Upon arrival, they discovered 25-year-old Melquan T. West-Yancey suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite immediate medical attention, West-Yancey succumbed to his injuries shortly after being transported to a nearby hospital. The circumstances leading to the shooting remain under investigation, with no suspect information released at the time. (Kansas City police investigate homicide at 9th and Prospect | Kansas City Star, KCPD investigate homicide at 9th and Prospect Avenue)

2. Zafir A. Perkins: A Teen’s Tragic End

Nearly three years later, on August 9, 2023, another fatal shooting occurred near the same intersection. At approximately 11:30 p.m., officers responded to a reported shooting in the 2500 block of East 9th Street. They found 17-year-old Zafir A. Perkins lying unresponsive in a business parking lot, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Despite life-saving efforts by emergency medical services, Perkins was declared deceased at the scene. Witnesses reported hearing shots fired from an unknown direction, but details surrounding the incident remain scarce. (Wednesday night homicide 9th and Prospect – Northeast News)

3. Frederick Outley: A Fatal Encounter at Xpress Mart

On March 1, 2020, the same day as West-Yancey’s death, another fatal shooting occurred at 9th and Prospect Avenue. Officers responded to a reported shooting at the Xpress Mart convenience store and found 28-year-old Frederick Outley suffering from gunshot wounds. Surveillance footage from the store showed Outley engaging in an altercation before being shot multiple times by 44-year-old Joel Roseberry, who was later charged with second-degree murder, armed criminal action, and tampering with evidence. (KCPD investigate homicide at 9th and Prospect Avenue, Murder charges filed in March shooting at 9th and Prospect in KC | FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports)

4. Community Impact and Ongoing Investigations

These incidents have left lasting scars on the Kansas City community, raising concerns about public safety and the prevalence of gun violence. Law enforcement agencies continue to investigate each case, urging anyone with information to come forward. The Kansas City Police Department has emphasized its commitment to seeking justice for the victims and holding those responsible accountable.