Kansas City, Missouri, August 20, 2025
News Summary
Leon J. Reese, a 54-year-old from Kansas City, has pleaded guilty to second-degree involuntary manslaughter for the stabbing death of Eric Stennis. The incident, which occurred earlier this year, resulted in Reese’s original charge of second-degree murder being reduced as part of a plea agreement. He faces a maximum sentence of four years, with sentencing scheduled for October 17. The case has raised significant concerns about safety in the Ingleside neighborhood.
Kansas City Man Pleads Guilty to Involuntary Manslaughter in Stabbing Death of Eric Stennis
Kansas City — Leon J. Reese, a 54-year-old resident of Kansas City, has pleaded guilty to second-degree involuntary manslaughter in the stabbing death of 52-year-old Eric Stennis. This development occurred on Monday, just before Reese was scheduled to stand trial for the incident that rocked the Ingleside neighborhood earlier this year. As part of a plea agreement, the original charge of second-degree murder was reduced to involuntary manslaughter, with other charges expected to be dismissed during the upcoming sentencing.
Reese is now facing a maximum sentence of four years in prison due to the manslaughter charge. Had he been convicted of murder, he could have faced a significantly steeper sentence ranging from 10 to 30 years, or even life imprisonment. Sentencing is set for 1 p.m. on October 17, 2023, before Jackson County Judge Sarah A. Castle.
Details of the Incident
The fatal stabbing took place around 11 p.m. on March 31, when police responded to a medical emergency call in the 3000 block of Mersington Avenue. Upon arrival, emergency responders discovered Stennis suffering from a stab wound to the abdomen. He later succumbed to his injuries.
According to reports from witnesses, Reese, Stennis, and another individual had been socializing near 31st Street and Mersington when a dispute arose between Reese and Stennis. The argument quickly escalated, leading Reese to allegedly confront Stennis with a knife after Stennis allegedly threw a rock at him. It was reported that Stennis attempted to flee into a nearby field while expressing distress over the injury he sustained.
In a separate but related turn of events, detectives, while investigating the incident, encountered Reese the following afternoon. At that time, Reese was allegedly armed with a knife and was reportedly standing over a witness who had been present during the stabbing. Upon realizing that he was being approached by law enforcement, Reese purportedly discarded the knife, which was subsequently collected as evidence. In addition, the witness informed detectives that Reese had made threats against her life should she disclose any information about the stabbing.
Legal Consequences
The original charges against Reese included second-degree murder, tampering with a witness, and two counts of armed criminal action. With the plea of involuntary manslaughter, Reese’s legal troubles may see a scaled-down conclusion, provided the judge agrees to dismiss the remaining charges during sentencing.
Background Context
The neighborhood where the stabbing occurred, Ingleside, is known for its close-knit community, making incidents like this particularly distressing for residents. Stennis’ death is just one of many violent incidents that have been reported in Kansas City this year. The circumstances surrounding this case have raised concerns among local residents about safety and violence within their neighborhoods.
Conclusion
As the case moves toward sentencing, the community is left grappling with the aftermath of this tragic incident. Reese’s plea agreement represents a turning point in the legal proceedings, and it remains to be seen what the outcome of the forthcoming hearings will reveal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charge did Leon J. Reese plead guilty to?
Leon J. Reese pleaded guilty to second-degree involuntary manslaughter.
What was the original charge against Reese?
He was originally charged with second-degree murder, tampering with a witness, and two counts of armed criminal action.
When and where did the incident occur?
The incident took place on March 31, 2023, at around 11 p.m. in the 3000 block of Mersington Avenue in Kansas City.
What is the maximum sentence Reese could face?
Reese could face a maximum of four years in prison for his conviction of involuntary manslaughter.
When is Reese’s sentencing scheduled?
Sentencing is scheduled for 1 p.m. on October 17, 2023.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Leon J. Reese, 54 |
| Victim | Eric Stennis, 52 |
| Original Charges | Second-degree murder, tampering with a witness, two counts of armed criminal action |
| Plea Agreement | Guilty to second-degree involuntary manslaughter |
| Potential Sentence | Maximum of four years |
| Sentencing Date | October 17, 2023, 1 p.m. |
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Additional Resources
- KCTV5: Kansas City Family Challenges Charges in Deadly Gas Station Shooting
- Fox4KC: Video in KC Gas Station Shooting Released After Grand Jury Indictment
- KSHB: Man Faces Manslaughter Charge in Killing of 2 Kansas City Brothers
- USA Today: Kansas City Chiefs Fans Death Murder Charge
- KMBC: Kansas City Missouri Triple Shooting February 2024 Not Guilty
- Wikipedia: Kansas City
- Google Search: Kansas City Crime
- Google Scholar: Kansas City law
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kansas City
- Google News: Kansas City shooting
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.
