News Summary
Michael Smallwood has been sentenced to 18 years in prison following a shootout that occurred after a high school basketball game, injuring two individuals. Pleading guilty to multiple charges, Smallwood faced varying terms for his actions that raised safety concerns in the community. The incident highlights ongoing issues of youth violence, prompting discussions about safety measures and preventative programs in North Kansas City as families and community leaders seek solutions to mitigate such occurrences in the future.
North Kansas City – Michael Smallwood has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for his role in a shootout that occurred after a high school basketball game on March 2, 2024, which left two individuals injured. The sentencing took place on Friday, concluding a case that raised significant concerns regarding public safety in the community.
Smallwood, who pleaded guilty in March to multiple charges including two counts of second-degree assault, one count of unlawful use of a weapon, and one count of fourth-degree assault, received varying prison terms that will be served consecutively. Specifically, he was sentenced to six years for the first count of second-degree assault, seven years for the second count, four years for unlawful use of a weapon, and one year for fourth-degree assault.
Prosecutors had initially requested a 19-year prison sentence as part of a plea agreement, but permitted Smallwood to advocate for a lesser punishment. In the process of entering his plea, he acknowledged his reckless behavior, admitting to returning fire after coming under gunfire in a crowded area.
The incident emerged from a dispute between two groups of young men exiting a Missouri Class 6, District 8 basketball game, which featured local rivals Staley and North Kansas City. Eyewitness accounts and surveillance footage gathered during the investigation illustrated the chaotic and dangerous nature of the shootout.
Lavon’Dre Smallwood, Michael Smallwood’s younger brother, has also been charged in connection with the shooting, highlighting the impact of this incident on families within the community and the broader issues of youth violence.
The shootout has not only brought attention to the legal ramifications faced by individuals involved but has also reignited discussions surrounding violence and safety in North Kansas City. Local law enforcement and community leaders reiterate the necessity of proactive measures to ensure similar incidents do not occur in the future.
Community members have shown growing concern regarding the trend of violence, particularly following events that are meant to foster camaraderie and sportsmanship among young people. Public safety organizations, including the Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers, offer anonymous avenues for tips related to crime while providing potential cash rewards as an incentive for community involvement.
In the aftermath of the shooting, KSHB 41 News has been tracking annual homicide statistics in the Kansas City area through their Homicide Tracker, providing residents with updated information regarding trends in violent crime. These efforts are part of a broader attempt to provide transparency and foster community engagement in tackling crime and safety issues.
The sentence handed to Smallwood serves as a reminder of the serious consequences tied to gun violence and the importance of addressing root causes of conflict among youth. Community leaders are urged to collaborate to create prevention programs and alternative outreach efforts aiming to mitigate the occurrence of violence in the future.
As North Kansas City continues to navigate the aftermath of this high-profile case, residents hope for improved safety measures as well as a community that works together to promote peace and reduce violence among its youth.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
New Mexican Restaurant Set to Open in Kansas City
Charged in Fatal Shooting of Teenage Boy in Kansas City
Kansas City Faces Rising Crime Ahead of FIFA World Cup
Kansas City Residents Face Rising Gun Violence
Kansas City Teen Sentenced for Double Homicide
Events Happening in Kansas City This Weekend: March 28-30, 2025
New Strategies for Crime Reduction in Jackson County
Additional Resources
- KSHB: Man Sentenced to 18 Years in 2024 Shooting
- Wikipedia: Gun Violence in the United States
- Fox4KC: Kansas City Police Investigate Deadly Shooting
- Google Search: Kansas City Violence Trends
- Kansas City Star: Local News Article
- Google Scholar: Community Violence Prevention
- KCTV5: Kansas City Police Identify Victim
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
- Missouri Independent: Kansas City Super Bowl Rally Shooting
- Google News: Public Safety Kansas City
