KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City police are asking the public for help locating a 28-year-old man wanted in connection with the fatal shooting of a woman during a confrontation in early August.
Authorities are searching for Naim Wasilah Coody-Burnett, who faces charges including second-degree murder, three counts of armed criminal action, unlawful use of a weapon and third-degree domestic assault.
The case involves the August 2 shooting death of Kierra McGee, who was fatally wounded in the area of Independence Avenue and Van Brunt Boulevard.
Woman Killed in Early-Morning Shooting
Kansas City police responded to reports of gunfire shortly before 4 a.m. on August 2.
When officers arrived in the area, they found McGee suffering from gunshot injuries in a parking lot near an auto-parts store. Emergency personnel responded, but McGee was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators say a large number of people were present in the parking lot when the shooting occurred. Police and prosecutors have been working to reconstruct the events that led to the gunfire and identify those involved.
Prosecutors Detail Alleged Confrontation
According to court records and the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office, the deadly shooting allegedly followed a confrontation between Coody-Burnett and a former partner.
Prosecutors allege that during the confrontation, Coody-Burnett broke the window of the woman’s vehicle and struck her in the face with a firearm.
A witness reportedly approached Coody-Burnett as if intending to confront him physically but then walked away.
Authorities allege that Coody-Burnett subsequently opened fire toward a crowd of people, and McGee was struck by the gunfire.
At least two other people reportedly returned fire toward Coody-Burnett, according to prosecutors.
The exact circumstances surrounding the exchange of gunfire remain part of the investigation.
Case Unsealed to Help Find Suspect
The Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office filed charges against Coody-Burnett on August 14, but the case was recently unsealed in an effort to help Kansas City police locate him.
A Jackson County judge set his bond at $150,000 cash only.
Police are now urging anyone who knows where Coody-Burnett may be staying or hiding to contact authorities rather than attempting to locate him themselves.
Authorities have also warned members of the public not to approach him.
Police Describe Suspect
Police have publicly identified Coody-Burnett as the person they are seeking in connection with McGee’s death. Public reporting also describes him as having a shortened or underdeveloped arm, a physical characteristic that may help investigators and members of the public identify him.
Because he is wanted in connection with a homicide and is alleged to have been armed during the incident, police are asking people who see him to contact law enforcement immediately.
How to Provide Information
Anyone with information about Coody-Burnett’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Kansas City Police Department Homicide Unit at 816-234-5330.
Anonymous information can be provided to the Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers TIPS Hotline at 816-474-8477.
Authorities stress that members of the public should not attempt to confront or apprehend the wanted man themselves.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The investigation remains active as detectives continue working to locate Coody-Burnett and establish the complete circumstances surrounding the August 2 shooting.
McGee’s death has left her loved ones mourning while investigators continue seeking information that could lead to an arrest and further court proceedings.
Naim Wasilah Coody-Burnett has been charged but has not been convicted. The allegations contained in the criminal case are accusations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
