Teen Identified in Kansas City, Kansas Weekend Homicide — Jesse Marquez, 19, Fatally Shot on South 8th Terrace
KANSAS CITY, KANSAS — A weekend shooting in Kansas City, Kansas has left a family and community in mourning, as police confirmed the identity of the teen victim as 19-year-old Jesse Marquez. The incident, which unfolded Sunday evening, marks the 10th homicide of the year in the city.
According to a statement released Tuesday by the Kansas City Kansas Police Department (KCKPD), officers were dispatched to the 2700 block of South 8th Terrace just before 7:30 p.m. on Sunday in response to reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, they discovered Marquez suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Tragically, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Neighbors reported hearing a series of loud pops shortly before police arrived, with some rushing to their windows or porches only to find chaos and flashing emergency lights moments later. Witnesses told police that the suspects fled the area in a vehicle before law enforcement could secure the scene.
Police have not yet released any descriptions of the suspects or the vehicle involved. The KCKPD Major Case Unit has taken over the investigation and is urging anyone with knowledge of the crime to come forward. Authorities emphasized that even the smallest detail could be crucial in identifying those responsible for the killing.
“This is an active and ongoing investigation,” said a spokesperson from KCKPD. “We are pursuing leads, but we continue to ask the public for assistance. If you saw or heard anything—or have surveillance footage from the area—please contact Crime Stoppers at 816-474-TIPS. You can remain anonymous.”
The loss of Jesse Marquez has left his family and friends devastated. Described as a bright, energetic young man who loved music and sports, Jesse was known in his community for his warm smile and easygoing nature. He had recently graduated from high school and was exploring his next steps in life.
“He was just starting to figure out what he wanted to do,” said one of his cousins in a social media tribute. “He didn’t deserve this. No one does. We just want justice.”
A makeshift memorial has been set up near the site of the shooting, with candles, flowers, and handwritten notes left by loved ones and neighbors. The outpouring of grief reflects the impact Jesse had on those around him, as well as the continued concern over youth violence in the area.
This latest homicide continues a troubling trend of gun violence affecting young people across the Kansas City metro. Community leaders are renewing calls for prevention programs, better support services for at-risk youth, and closer collaboration between law enforcement and residents.
As Jesse Marquez’s family prepares to lay him to rest, they are pleading for witnesses to come forward. “Please, if you know something, say something,” one family member said tearfully during a local news interview. “We can’t bring Jesse back, but we can stop this from happening to someone else’s child.”
The Kansas City Kansas Police Department is expected to release additional updates as the investigation progresses. In the meantime, the community continues to grieve the loss of a life cut short by senseless violence.