Clay County, Kansas City, January 21, 2026
A Clay County judge has postponed a bond reduction hearing for Jeffrey King, charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of his neighbor, Christopher Cole Wells. The hearing, previously scheduled for January 20, 2026, has been rescheduled for February 3, 2026. King is currently being held on a $5 million bond and is accused of shooting Wells during a confrontation. The case has garnered significant community attention, especially due to the long-standing disputes between the two neighbors.
Kansas City — A Clay County judge on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, postponed a bond reduction hearing for Jeffrey King, a Northland man accused of the fatal shooting of his neighbor. King, 42, is charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action in the death of 41-year-old Christopher Cole Wells. The hearing, which took place in the Seventh Division of Clay County Circuit Court before Judge Louis Angles, has been rescheduled for February 3, 2026, at 2:30 p.m.
Details of the Alleged Incident and Charges
Prosecutors allege that Jeffrey King shot and killed Christopher Cole Wells on Monday, January 12, 2026, around 7:30 a.m. The deadly encounter occurred during an outdoor confrontation in the 2500 block of Northeast 78th Street, located in the Maplewoods area of Kansas City, within Clay County.
According to reports, Wells sustained 13 gunshot defects, with five found in his front and eight in his back. Two juvenile witnesses informed investigators that they observed King shooting Wells in the back while Wells was lying face down in the street. Surveillance video from a neighboring residence reportedly captured audio of at least eight gunshots during the incident, though the visual of the altercation was blocked.
King was arrested on the day of the shooting and subsequently charged by the Clay County Prosecutor’s Office on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, with first-degree murder and armed criminal action. He is currently being held in the Clay County jail on a $5 million bond. During his appearance on Tuesday, King was dressed in a gray and white striped prison suit with his hands manacled.
Long-Standing Neighbor Dispute
The alleged shooting is reported to be the culmination of a long-standing series of confrontations and disputes between King and Wells, as well as other neighbors. Court records and neighbor accounts suggest a history of escalating tensions. These conflicts reportedly included property damage, harassment, and other disruptive behaviors by King.
In August, King was cited in Kansas City Municipal Court for destruction of property at a neighbor’s home. He was found guilty in early November and sentenced to 30 days in jail, though the term was suspended, and he was placed on two years of probation. A condition of his probation was to have no contact with Wells’s wife and to stay away from the victim’s house.
Neighbors had also reported King causing issues in the neighborhood, including parking multiple vehicles along the street in a manner that obstructed school buses. Some residents stated that King had been “holding the neighborhood hostage for years.”
Defense Strategy and Further Legal Action
King’s attorney has indicated plans to pursue a ‘stand your ground’ defense in the case. This defense typically argues that an individual is justified in using deadly force when they reasonably believe it is necessary to prevent death or great bodily harm to themselves or others.
In addition to the bond hearing, prosecutors have filed a motion requesting that King be required to surrender all firearms and ammunition as a condition of any potential release on bond. Police investigators, following the incident, seized 16 handguns and multiple long guns from King’s residence. Records from the Missouri Secretary of State indicate that King had organized businesses related to firearms, including Fidelis Firearms KC LC and Fidelis Firearms LLC.
The postponement of the bond reduction hearing means that King will remain in custody on his existing $5 million bond until the new hearing date in early February.
Community Reaction
The courtroom on Tuesday saw the presence of approximately 35 friends, neighbors, and relatives of Christopher Cole Wells, many of whom wore black T-shirts bearing Wells’s initials bordered by angel wings. The community has expressed shock and grief over Wells’s death, remembering him as a devoted family man who was always willing to help others. The tragic event has highlighted the long-standing tensions that had reportedly existed within the neighborhood.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the latest development in the Jeffrey King case?
A Clay County judge on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, postponed a bond reduction hearing for Jeffrey King.
Who is Jeffrey King accused of shooting?
Jeffrey King is accused of shooting and killing his neighbor, Christopher Cole Wells.
What charges does Jeffrey King face?
Jeffrey King is charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action.
When is the rescheduled bond hearing?
The bond reduction hearing for Jeffrey King has been rescheduled for February 3, 2026, at 2:30 p.m.
What defense strategy is Jeffrey King’s attorney planning?
Jeffrey King’s attorney plans to pursue a ‘stand your ground’ defense in the case.
What is Jeffrey King’s current bond amount?
Jeffrey King is currently being held on a $5 million bond.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Accused Individual | Jeffrey King, 42, of Kansas City |
| Victim | Christopher Cole Wells, 41, King’s neighbor |
| Charges | First-degree murder, armed criminal action |
| Date of Alleged Shooting | Monday, January 12, 2026 |
| Location of Incident | 2500 block of Northeast 78th Street, Maplewoods area, Clay County, Kansas City |
| Number of Gunshot Wounds (Victim) | 13 gunshot defects (5 front, 8 back) |
| Bond Amount | $5 million |
| Latest Court Action | Bond reduction hearing postponed on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 |
| Rescheduled Hearing Date | February 3, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. |
| Proposed Defense | ‘Stand your ground’ defense |
| Seized Items from Accused | 16 handguns, multiple long guns |
| Context | Long-standing neighbor dispute |
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Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
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