Three 18-year-olds have been charged with first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of Kansas City, Kansas, sports radio personality Jimmy Dodds, a beloved figure known as “Uncle Jimmy” who also served with the Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Office.
Dodds, 64, was killed Sunday outside his home in the 3000 block of 82nd Terrace. The Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department identified the suspects as Aaron Johnson, Mark Nash Jr. and Marquel McGee, all 18 years old and currently held at the Harvey County Detention Center in Newton, Kansas.
What Happened
The shooting occurred when Dodds sat inside his vehicle parked behind a Chevrolet Tahoe at his residence. According to Michelle Karanja, Dodds’ landlord, her husband heard three gunshots while working on the deck outside. “My husband was home working on the deck, and he heard three gunshots go off,” Karanja said.
A bullet hole remains visible in the rear passenger side of the Tahoe. Authorities have not disclosed the specific details about what sparked the initial disagreement.
The Investigation
Kansas City Police Chief Karl Oakman said the shooting stemmed from a disagreement involving people known to Dodds’ family. “Some of his family members knew the individuals,” Oakman said. “But once again, we’re seeing people’s inability to control their anger.”
Karanja described Dodds as an exemplary tenant who caused no problems during his time at the property. She noted that his two sons are expected to relocate to live with their mother following his death.
Broader Concerns About Youth Violence
Police Chief Oakman pointed to the case as part of a larger pattern of youth violence in Kansas City, Kansas. Over the past two weeks, he stated that police made 42 arrests while recovering eight firearms and seizing nearly nine pounds of methamphetamine.
Oakman emphasized the role parents must play in preventing young people from engaging in violent crime. “I can’t understand going in my 15-year-old’s room and seeing an AK-47 automatic weapon,” Oakman said. “And I’m like, ‘Oh, that’s fine, no big deal.'”
What Comes Next
The three suspects are awaiting transfer from Harvey County to Wyandotte County to formally face charges. Authorities have not announced a specific timeline for that transfer.
If convicted of first-degree murder, the defendants face the most serious penalties available under Kansas law. The investigation remains ongoing as detectives gather additional evidence and prepare the case for prosecution.
This story has been updated. CNN’s Digital Desk contributed to this report.
