News Summary
Linda Ater, an 18-year-old from Kansas City, has been sentenced to 21 years in prison for her role in a double homicide that shocked the community. The incident, which occurred on December 9, 2024, claimed the lives of two teenagers, Deontae Marchbanks and Cierra Pennington. Prosecutors highlighted Ater’s prior warnings about violent behavior and her failure to engage with youth programs aimed at preventing such tragedies. Another suspect, Terrell Simpson, has also been charged in connection with the case, emphasizing the ongoing issues of youth violence in the area.
Kansas City Woman Sentenced to 21 Years for Double Homicide Involvement
In a developing story from Kansas City, a young woman named Linda Ater, just 18 years old, has been sentenced to a significant 21 years in prison for her involvement in a tragic double homicide that took place on December 9, 2024. This unsettling event shook the community and raised several questions about youth violence and the systemic issues surrounding it.
The Heart of the Matter: What Happened?
The horrific incident claimed the lives of two young victims, Deontae Marchbanks, aged 19, and Cierra Pennington, only 17 years old. On that fateful evening, police were called to the 6000 block of Blue Hills Road after reports of gunfire. When they arrived, the situation was dire. Both victims were found with visible gunshot wounds and, sadly, were pronounced dead at the scene.
Linda Ater’s Involvement
According to authorities, Ater was flagged as a high-risk individual for violence prior to the incident by a local organization known as SAVE KC. Despite being invited to participate in a program meant to steer young people away from violence, Ater chose not to attend. Instead, she pled guilty to serious charges including 2nd Degree Murder, Armed Criminal Action, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon.
The court handed her an 18-year sentence for the murder charge and an additional 15 years for the unlawful use of a weapon, both of which will run concurrently. However, the sentence for armed criminal action will run consecutively for three years, stacking up to a total of 21 years behind bars.
The Aftermath: Consequences and Community Responses
Prosecutor Melesa Johnson emphasized the gravity of Ater’s actions, pointing out her rejection of the help offered through SAVE KC and the critical warnings about the consequences of continuing in a life of crime. The case has ignited discussions among community members regarding youth programs and their effectiveness in lowering crime rates.
Meanwhile, a New Suspect Emerges
Surveillance video has surfaced showing Simpson exiting a vehicle armed with a gun, believed to be firing shots into Marchbanks’ vehicle during the chaos. The authorities are currently seeking information about Simpson’s whereabouts, urging the public to come forward with any useful tips.
The Community’s Role and Moving Forward
The disturbing nature of this case serves as a painful reminder of the ongoing issues surrounding youth violence. While Ater will face time in prison as a consequence of her actions, there is a growing consensus that early intervention programs must be reinforced to prevent such tragedies in the future. Community leaders and local organizations are rallying to increase awareness and education, aiming to steer young people away from paths that could lead to violence and despair.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this heartbreaking event, it serves as a critical point for reflection about the measures in place to protect its youth and the importance of offering support to those at risk. With both Ater sentenced and Simpson on the run, Kansas City has its work cut out in seeking justice and normalcy once again.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 4 KC: Lees Summit Police Investigating Double Homicide
- KCTV5: Charges Filed in Co-Defendant Double Homicide
- Kansas City Star: Local Crime Report
- KMBC: Second Person Charged in Double Homicide
- Kansas City Star: Youth Violence Discussion
- Wikipedia: Youth Violence
- Kansas City Star: Ongoing Crime Investigations
- Google Search: Youth Intervention Programs
Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
