Kansas City, Missouri, September 9, 2025
News Summary
Richard M. Guerrero has pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and armed criminal action in connection with the fatal road rage shooting of Adrian Velez-Esparza. The incident, which occurred during an aggressive encounter on the road, has raised concerns about the dangers of road rage. Guerrero’s sentencing is scheduled for October 20, with a maximum potential sentence of 15 years for each charge. This case underscores the urgent need to address rising road rage incidents in the community.
Kansas City
Richard M. Guerrero, 22, has pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and armed criminal action in the shooting death of 20-year-old Adrian “Tony” Velez-Esparza. The plea came just before Guerrero’s scheduled trial, and sentencing is set for October 20.
The road rage incident occurred on June 29, 2024, in the 700 block of Southwest Boulevard. Initially, Guerrero was charged with second-degree murder, two counts of armed criminal action, and unlawful use of a weapon. As jury selection was about to begin, prosecutors reduced the murder charge to voluntary manslaughter, leading to the dismissal of other charges.
The shooting transpired around 7:25 p.m., when police found Velez-Esparza in his black Acura sedan, suffering from a gunshot wound to the back of his head. He was transported to a local hospital but succumbed to his injuries several days later.
A witness described observing a Chevrolet Malibu (Guerrero’s vehicle) and the Acura stop at a red light before the Acura made a U-turn. The same witness reported hearing two gunshots during the encounter, followed by the Acura crashing into a wall while the Chevrolet drove away. Surveillance footage also indicated that the Acura was aggressively pursuing the Chevrolet prior to the incident.
Police identified Guerrero as the owner of the Chevrolet after running the license plate obtained from detectives’ investigation. Law enforcement apprehended Guerrero driving the Chevrolet Malibu on July 12, 2024, near Interstate 35. During questioning, Guerrero stated that Velez-Esparza had chased him and thrown water bottles at his car, causing him to feel threatened. He admitted to using a 9mm handgun from his center console to shoot Velez-Esparza, despite claiming he never saw Velez-Esparza with a weapon. Notably, a search of Velez-Esparza’s vehicle revealed no firearms.
Sentencing for Guerrero carries a potential maximum of 15 years in prison for each charge of voluntary manslaughter and armed criminal action, illustrating the serious nature of the charges in connection with the fatal road rage shooting. Guerrero’s admission of using a firearm and the circumstances surrounding the confrontation will play a crucial role in the upcoming sentencing phase.
Background
The case highlights the growing concern over road rage incidents and their potentially tragic consequences. Road rage is defined as aggressive or violent behavior exhibited by drivers in response to other road users. Incidents can escalate quickly, leading to serious injuries and fatalities. This case may prompt discussions about the need for greater awareness and preventive measures to ensure driver safety and reduce the likelihood of similar events in the future.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Richard M. Guerrero |
| Victim | Adrian “Tony” Velez-Esparza |
| Incident Date | June 29, 2024 |
| Charges | Voluntary manslaughter, armed criminal action |
| Sentencing Date | October 20 |
| Possible Sentence | Up to 15 years per charge |
FAQ
What charges did Richard M. Guerrero plead guilty to?
Richard M. Guerrero pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and armed criminal action.
When did the road rage incident occur?
The road rage incident occurred on June 29, 2024.
When is the sentencing for Guerrero scheduled?
Sentencing for Guerrero is scheduled for October 20.
What resulted from the investigation into the shooting?
The investigation identified Guerrero as the shooter, confirmed his ownership of the vehicle involved, and revealed no weapon was found in Velez-Esparza’s vehicle.
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Additional Resources
- KCTV5: Suspected road rage shooter questioned
- Wikipedia: Road rage
- KMBC: Kansas City I-70 road rage shooting
- Google Search: Road rage statistics
- Fox4KC: Teen charged in road rage shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Violence
- KSHB: Man charged in murder of sports writer
- Google News: Road rage news
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.
