Police Identify Victim of Fatal Shooting Near 10th and Prospect as 37-Year-Old Ashton Hams
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Police have identified the man killed in a shooting Wednesday night near East 10th Street and Prospect Avenue as 37-year-old Ashton Hams.
The fatal shooting, which occurred around 9:30 p.m., drew a heavy police presence after multiple 911 callers reported hearing gunfire and seeing a man down near an apartment complex. Responding officers were directed to the east side of the intersection, where they discovered Hams unresponsive from apparent gunshot wounds. Emergency crews confirmed he had died at the scene.
Detectives Making Progress
A Kansas City Police Department spokesperson said Thursday that detectives are actively pursuing leads and “making progress” in the case, though no arrests have been announced. Investigators believe one or more suspects fired the shots that struck Hams and are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Authorities noted that the area where the shooting occurred is densely populated, and they are hopeful that witnesses or surveillance footage may provide critical clues.
“Someone saw or heard something,” the police spokesperson said. “Even the smallest detail could help us hold those responsible accountable.”
Community Alarm and Rising Numbers
The shooting marks the 116th homicide in Kansas City this year, compared with 113 homicides at this time in 2024, according to police records. Community leaders and residents have expressed concern over the continued rise in violent crime, particularly in neighborhoods like Prospect Avenue, which has long struggled with recurring incidents of gun violence.
Neighbors near the scene described hearing a rapid series of gunshots, followed by sirens and flashing lights as officers swarmed the intersection. “It’s scary — you don’t expect to hear that many shots right outside your window,” said one resident. “It feels like it’s happening too often around here.”
The Investigation
Detectives canvassed the area late into the night, speaking with residents and searching for surveillance cameras that may have captured the gunfire or fleeing suspects. The gunfire erupted just steps away from an apartment complex, raising the possibility that numerous residents may have witnessed portions of the incident.
At this time, investigators have not released information regarding a motive or suspect description.
Seeking Public’s Help
Police are asking anyone with information to contact the KCPD Homicide Unit directly or to submit anonymous tips through the TIPS Hotline at (816) 474-TIPS. Callers may be eligible for a cash reward.
Authorities emphasized that community cooperation is essential in solving cases like these. “Every homicide victim is someone’s family, someone’s friend,” the spokesperson said. “We owe it to them and to this community to bring justice.”
Remembering Ashton Hams
While detectives continue their investigation, family and friends of Ashton Hams are left to process the devastating news of his death. Loved ones describe him as a man taken far too soon, with his life cut short by senseless violence. Tributes on social media highlighted his warmth, his resilience, and the impact he had on those who knew him.
Community members plan to gather near the intersection in the coming days for a vigil to honor Hams’ life and to call for peace in a city where violence continues to leave too many families grieving.
