Layla A. Freemanin: Kansas City, Missouri, Mourns the Tragic Loss of a 20-Year-Old Woman Found Shot Dead on 37th and Pennsylvania Amid Rising Violent Crime
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City community is reeling from the tragic death of Layla A. Freemanin, a 20-year-old woman who was found shot dead on the evening of May 13, 2025, on the street corner of 37th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. Layla’s death, which occurred just one day before her 21st birthday, has sent shockwaves through the neighborhood and the wider city, raising serious concerns about the ongoing rise in violent crime across Kansas City.
Authorities have confirmed that Layla’s death is being investigated as a homicide, and her untimely passing has intensified the already urgent conversations around safety, gun violence, and the need for stronger community policing efforts. The details surrounding the shooting remain unclear, but the devastating loss of such a young life has drawn an outpouring of grief and outrage from family members, friends, and residents who are demanding justice and answers.
A Life Taken Too Soon: Layla Freemanin’s Spirit and Promise
Layla Freemanin was known by all who knew her for her bright spirit, infectious laugh, and deep sense of empathy. Though she was still young, Layla had already touched the lives of many, building a network of friends and family who loved and admired her. She was described as someone who radiated positivity, always going out of her way to help others and lift their spirits. Those closest to her spoke of a young woman with dreams, aspirations, and a kind heart that made her stand out in the crowd.
“She was one of the most caring people I’ve ever met,” said Kimberly Freemanin, Layla’s mother, through tears. “Layla was always there for her friends, always putting others before herself. She had so much life ahead of her, and this senseless tragedy has stolen that from her—and from all of us.”
Layla was a recent high school graduate and had been working part-time at a local coffee shop while continuing to pursue her passions for art and design. Those who knew her best said that Layla had big plans for the future. She wanted to travel, go to college, and eventually find a career that would allow her to express her creativity. But her life, full of potential and promise, was tragically cut short by an act of violence that has left a community in mourning.
“She was just getting started,” said Alicia Patterson, a close friend of Layla’s. “She had so much ahead of her. She was full of hope, full of ideas, and full of joy. Everyone who met her was better for knowing her. Her heart was so big, and the world was better with her in it.”
Layla’s birthday, which would have been May 14, 2025, now serves as a painful reminder of the loss. Family members and friends who had planned to celebrate her milestone are instead coming to terms with the devastating reality of her death. Many have shared their shock on social media, expressing the pain they feel at losing such a bright young soul to senseless violence.
A Tragic Crime: The Details of Layla Freemanin’s Death
On May 13, 2025, Layla Freemanin was found lying in the street near the intersection of 37th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue in Kansas City’s Old Northeast neighborhood. Police responded to reports of gunshots in the area at approximately 10:30 p.m., and upon arrival, they found Layla with multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency responders quickly attempted to administer aid, but Layla was pronounced dead at the scene.
As investigators sift through the details of Layla’s tragic death, authorities are treating the incident as a homicide. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots, but little is known about the events that led to Layla’s death. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses is being examined as part of the investigation, but as of now, there are no known suspects.
The investigation into Layla’s death comes amid a broader surge in violent crime within Kansas City, which has seen an uptick in shootings, homicides, and other violent offenses over the past year. According to local law enforcement, this incident is one in a series of troubling events that highlight the need for more effective crime prevention and public safety measures.
“Layla’s death is part of a growing pattern of violence that is affecting far too many families in our city,” said Chief Ronald M. Norris of the Kansas City Police Department. “We are committed to finding those responsible for this senseless act and bringing justice to Layla and her family. We also need to address the root causes of violent crime in Kansas City and work together as a community to make sure this doesn’t continue to happen.”
Kansas City’s crime rate, particularly violent crime, has been a growing concern for residents and city officials alike. The rise in gun violence and homicides has prompted calls for increased funding for law enforcement, as well as community-based programs aimed at reducing crime and providing support to at-risk individuals. Layla Freemanin’s death has become a focal point for many who are now demanding action.
A Community in Mourning: Layla’s Family and Friends Seek Justice
In the days following Layla Freemanin’s death, a wave of grief has swept through Kansas City, with her family, friends, and neighbors coming together to honor her memory and seek justice. A candlelight vigil was held at the scene of the shooting, where dozens of people gathered to mourn and remember Layla’s life. The vigil was a poignant moment for those who knew her, a chance to reflect on the beautiful person she was and the promise she represented.
“I just don’t understand why this happened,” said DeShawn Owens, a longtime friend of Layla. “She didn’t deserve this. None of us deserve this. This is supposed to be a safe community, and yet we are losing our young people to violence. Layla was full of life, and it’s so heartbreaking that she won’t be able to live out all the things she wanted to do. I just hope we can find the person responsible and bring them to justice.”
Layla’s family is calling for answers and accountability, demanding that law enforcement take swift action to solve the case. “We need justice for Layla,” said Kimberly Freemanin. “She was taken from us far too soon. She didn’t have the chance to live the life she deserved. I want to know who did this to my daughter and why. She was my baby, and I want the person who did this to be held responsible.”
Addressing the Broader Issue: The Rise in Violent Crime in Kansas City
Layla Freemanin’s tragic death has once again shone a light on the growing concerns about violent crime in Kansas City. This incident is not an isolated case—violent crime has been on the rise in recent years, particularly in certain neighborhoods, and many residents feel that their safety is increasingly at risk.
While the police department has ramped up efforts to address crime, including increased patrols and community outreach programs, there is still a strong sense of urgency among community leaders, residents, and activists who feel that more must be done to address the root causes of violence and to protect the city’s young people.
“There are too many families like Layla’s who are living in fear of losing their loved ones to senseless violence,” said Maria Gonzalez, a local activist and advocate for community safety. “We need more investment in our neighborhoods. We need to build safer communities and provide young people with more opportunities to thrive. This violence has to stop. Enough is enough.”
As Layla’s family grapples with their heartbreaking loss, they are determined to channel their grief into action, urging the city and its leaders to do more to ensure that other families do not have to experience what they have. “Layla was taken from us by violence, but we won’t let her death be in vain,” said Kimberly Freemanin. “We want to honor her memory by pushing for change, by making sure that young people in Kansas City have a future, a chance to live without fear.”
Looking Ahead: Justice for Layla Freemanin
While the investigation into Layla’s death continues, her family, friends, and community are holding onto the hope that justice will prevail. As they await answers, they are finding strength in each other and in the outpouring of support from Kansas City residents. The tragedy of Layla’s death has united the community in its grief, but it has also sparked a collective call to action to address the violence that continues to plague the city.
Layla A. Freemanin may have been taken from her family and community too soon, but the legacy she leaves behind—of love, laughter, and hope—will not be forgotten. Her family, friends, and the entire Kansas City community are determined to ensure that Layla’s life and her tragic death lead to meaningful change, bringing justice and a safer future for all.