News Summary
Michael Smallwood, a 20-year-old from Kansas City, has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for his involvement in a shooting at North Kansas City High School. The incident, which occurred during a basketball game, led to multiple injuries. Smallwood’s sentence includes charges of second-degree assault and unlawful use of a weapon, with terms set to be served consecutively. The case highlights ongoing issues of gun violence in schools and has prompted discussions on safety measures within the community.
Kansas City
A 20-year-old man, Michael Smallwood, from Kansas City, Missouri, has been sentenced to a total of 18 years in prison for his role in a shooting incident at North Kansas City High School that left multiple people injured. The sentencing occurred during a hearing in Clay County court.
The breakdown of Smallwood’s sentence includes 7 years for second-degree accessory to assault, 6 years for second-degree assault, 4 years for unlawful use of a weapon, and 1 year for being an accessory. Importantly, these sentences are set to run consecutively, meaning Smallwood will serve them one after another.
Details of the Incident
The shooting took place on March 2, 2024, around 6 p.m. during a basketball game at North Kansas City High School. Tensions escalated when two groups of young men were seen leaving the gym. Witnesses reported a confrontation between them, during which one group was heard yelling for the other to leave while one member was seen concealing a weapon.
In a sudden turn of events, one group brandished firearms and opened fire, which led to three individuals from the opposing group also drawing their weapons and returning fire. Surveillance footage captured critical moments of the conflict, showing an adult from the first group falling to the ground but still firing back after being shot.
The altercation resulted in injuries to various individuals, including a teenage student from North Kansas City High School and an adult not affiliated with the school. Five people have been identified as directly involved in the gunfire based on the video evidence collected from the scene.
Additional Context
Michael Smallwood’s brother, Lavondre Smallwood, is also facing related charges stemming from the shooting incident. He has a motion hearing scheduled for October 15, 2025. The incident underscores ongoing concerns regarding gun violence in schools, particularly during events intended for community engagement such as sports games.
This case has cleared a path for discussions involving school safety measures and the need for community programs aimed at preventing youth violence. Local law enforcement has emphasized the importance of addressing such incidents proactively to ensure the safety of students and the community at large.
The Clark County court’s decision serves as a reminder of the serious consequences that can stem from gun violence in any setting, especially within schools where safety is paramount. As the legal proceedings continue for those involved, the community remains vigilant about the impact of such incidents and the measures needed to prevent them in the future.
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Additional Resources
- KMBC: Kansas City Pleasant Valley Skate Park Shooting
- Wikipedia: Gun Violence in the United States
- KCTV5: Multiple Injuries from Shooting near Blue Hills Park
- Google Search: Kansas City Shooting
- KSHB: One Man Shot and Killed in Kansas City
- Google Scholar: Gun Violence in Schools
- KCTV5: Shooting Victim Dies Near Live Music Venue
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Control
- Kansas City Star: Local Crime News
- Google News: School Safety Measures
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.
