crime

Christopher Dunn was convicted of murder in 1991 based on the testimony of two adolescent boys who both later recanted. A judge threw out the conviction in 2024, but the Missouri attorney general's office has appealed the decision.

An ordinance set to go before the Kansas City Council would ban small and individual bottles of alcohol and malt beverages to help lower crime in targeted areas of the city. The owner of one convenience store says limiting sales only hurts his business and customers.

Victims of a former chiropractor were shocked when a judge released the man on bond after he was charged with 51 counts of sexual assault. They're supporting a bill endorsed by a Senate committee that requires convicted felons to be held behind bars before sentencing.

Democratic state Rep. Ray Reed introduced legislation that would make grant funding available to houses of worship and LGBTQ community centers for safety improvements. He said the bill is a response to a rise in antisemitism.

A new photo shows the person being sought outside the Clayton home where the fires started on Aug. 5. The FBI, the Jewish Federation of St. Louis and other groups are offering rewards that total about $57,000.

This week, victims of disgraced Kansas City, Kansas, Police Detective Roger Golubski and other social justice advocates marked one year since Golubski died by suicide on Dec. 2, 2024. That was the day his federal trial was to begin on charges that he violated the civil rights of several women through rape and kidnapping.

Kansas City’s mayor and chief of police are calling for a review of the juvenile justice system. But court officials in Jackson County say youth referrals are down so far this year, proving that the diversion programs are working.

Kansas City lauded its new “collaborative public safety” model for breaking the lease of a downtown convenience store, which attracted 184 police calls over two years. But Downtown Market, at 11th Street and Grand Boulevard, is still open.

The state’s prosecutors say that if a recent ruling by the Missouri Court of Appeals is allowed to become law, “mere shoving matches could justifiably be escalated to gun battles,” and violent crime cases would be difficult to prove, hurting victims.

Missouri's governor recently authorized the state's National Guard to assist ICE with clerical duties. Black police officers fear the trust they've built with communities of color could take years to rebuild.

Kansas City’s Wellness Court is partnering with a local yoga studio to offer a program called “Healing Justice.” It combines yoga, meditation, and cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce stress and recidivism among nonviolent offenders.

Danielle Bertothy pleaded guilty to a felony in July, admitting she started a fire outside a Puerto Rico bar that she had been asked to leave. In addition to serving the prison sentence, she will have to pay restitution to the businesses that were damaged.