Kansas City, Kansas, January 3, 2026
A 16-year-old boy, Roman Bickle Moeller, was tragically shot and killed on New Year’s Eve in Kansas City, Kansas. The incident occurred in a commercial area, rekindling concerns about youth violence. The KCKPD has initiated an investigation while the community processes its grief and looks for solutions to prevent further violence among youth.
Kansas City, Kansas
A 16-year-old male was fatally shot on New Year’s Eve in Kansas City, Kansas, with authorities identifying the victim as Roman Bickle Moeller. The incident, which occurred late Wednesday, December 31, 2025, in the south part of the city, marks a somber start to the new year for the community and underscores ongoing concerns about youth violence in the metropolitan area. The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department (KCKPD) has launched an investigation into the shooting.
Details of the Tragic Incident
KCKPD officers were dispatched to the 1200 block of Central Avenue shortly before 11 p.m. on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, following reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, law enforcement personnel discovered a male victim suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. The teenager was pronounced deceased at the scene. The location of the shooting is in a commercial area, near businesses including a Stop N Go convenience store and a Church’s Texas Chicken restaurant.
On Friday, January 2, 2026, the KCKPD officially identified the victim as Roman Bickle Moeller, a 16-year-old resident of Kansas City, Kansas. This identification brought a name to the tragic event, allowing the community to begin processing the loss.
Investigation Underway
The KCKPD’s Major Case Unit has taken charge of the investigation into Roman Bickle Moeller’s death. As of the latest updates, police have not released further information regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting or potential suspects. Authorities are actively seeking information from the public to assist with their efforts. The police have urged anyone with knowledge pertinent to the case to contact the anonymous Crime Stoppers TIPS hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477). Community cooperation is often crucial in resolving such cases and bringing justice to victims and their families.
Community Impact and Broader Concerns
This fatal shooting, occurring as the community rang in the new year, highlights the persistent challenges associated with gun violence, particularly its impact on young lives. Such incidents send ripples of concern throughout neighborhoods, prompting renewed discussions about safety and prevention strategies.
Persistent Challenge of Youth Violence in Wyandotte County
Wyandotte County, which encompasses Kansas City, Kansas, has historically faced significant challenges related to violence. Data from 2019 indicated that Wyandotte County had the highest homicide rate of any county in Kansas. Alarmingly, during the 2019-2020 school year, Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools experienced the loss of 23 students, with 11 of those deaths attributed to gun violence. Homicide was identified as the most common cause of death for youth aged 1 to 24 in Wyandotte County. These statistics underscore a deep-rooted issue affecting the younger population of the area.
Violence Prevention Efforts in Kansas City, Kansas
In response to the pervasive issue of youth violence, various initiatives have been launched in Wyandotte County. Programs like “Enough is Enough” at Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools are working to engage young people in violence prevention efforts. Additionally, “ThrYve,” a comprehensive youth violence prevention program, collaborates with numerous partners to address systemic risk factors and provide structured activities for young individuals outside of school hours. These programs aim to provide support and alternatives to violence, fostering safer environments for the youth.
Contrasting Trends in Kansas City, Missouri
While Kansas City, Kansas, grapples with this recent tragedy, its neighbor, Kansas City, Missouri, reported some positive trends in violence reduction at the close of 2025. Kansas City, Missouri, saw a reduction in homicides by approximately 5 percent and a decline of over 30 percent in nonfatal shootings during 2025. The city was projected to conclude 2025 with 138 homicides, marking the lowest number since before the current mayor took office. This progress was highlighted by city officials who also issued strong warnings against celebratory gunfire as New Year’s Eve approached, emphasizing the dangers of bullets fired into the air. Programs such as Aim4Peace in Kansas City, Missouri, a public health-based violence prevention initiative, continue to work towards reducing shootings and homicides, particularly targeting retaliatory violence in specific patrol divisions.
Other Notable Past Incidents in Kansas City, Missouri
The broader Kansas City metropolitan area has witnessed several high-profile incidents involving young victims in recent years. In 2020, a Kansas City man pleaded guilty to the fatal shooting of 4-year-old Legend M. Taliferro, who was asleep at the time of the incident [cite: 3 (from prompt)]. Another significant event occurred on April 13, 2025, when 16-year-old Ralph Yarl was shot while attempting to pick up his twin siblings from a friend’s house [cite: 4 (from prompt)]. In August 2025, a tragic shooting in Kansas City, Missouri, resulted in a 14-year-old boy being killed and a girl hospitalized [cite: 6 (from prompt)]. These incidents serve as poignant reminders of the ongoing struggle against violence affecting the region’s youth.
The fatal shooting of Roman Bickle Moeller serves as a stark reminder of the continuous need for concerted efforts to address and prevent violence in all parts of the Kansas City metropolitan area, ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents, especially its youth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Who was the victim of the New Year’s Eve shooting in Kansas City, Kansas?
A: The victim of the New Year’s Eve shooting in Kansas City, Kansas, was identified as Roman Bickle Moeller, a 16-year-old male from Kansas City, Kansas.
Q: When and where did the shooting occur?
A: The shooting occurred shortly before 11 p.m. on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, in the 1200 block of Central Avenue in south Kansas City, Kansas.
Q: Which police department is investigating this incident?
A: The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department (KCKPD) Major Case Unit is investigating the shooting.
Q: What is the current status of the investigation?
A: The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the anonymous Crime Stoppers TIPS hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477).
Q: What are the broader statistics regarding youth violence in Wyandotte County?
A: Data from 2019 indicated that Wyandotte County had the highest homicide rate of any county in Kansas, and homicide was the most common cause of death for youth aged 1 to 24 in Wyandotte County. During the 2019-2020 school year, Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools lost 23 students, with 11 of those deaths attributed to gun violence.
Q: What are some violence prevention efforts in Kansas City, Kansas?
A: Programs such as “Enough is Enough” at Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools and “ThrYve,” a comprehensive youth violence prevention program, are active in Wyandotte County, working to address and prevent youth violence.
Key Features of the New Year’s Eve Shooting in Kansas City, Kansas
| Feature | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Victim Identified | Roman Bickle Moeller, 16 years old | Kansas City, Kansas |
| Date of Incident | New Year’s Eve, Wednesday, December 31, 2025 | Kansas City, Kansas |
| Location of Incident | 1200 block of Central Avenue, south Kansas City, Kansas | Kansas City, Kansas |
| Investigating Agency | Kansas City, Kansas Police Department (KCKPD) Major Case Unit | Kansas City, Kansas |
| Call for Information | Crime Stoppers TIPS hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477) | Regional |
| Youth Homicide Rate (Wyandotte County 2019) | Highest in Kansas for ages 1-24 | State-level (Wyandotte County within Kansas) |
| KCK Public Schools Student Losses (2019-2020) | 23 students, 11 by gun violence | Kansas City, Kansas |
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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.
