KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Fatal Shooting on East 10th and Prospect Claims Life of 37-Year-Old Ashton Hams

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Fatal Shooting on East 10th and Prospect Claims Life of 37-Year-Old Ashton Hams

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A tragic and senseless act of violence has claimed the life of 37-year-old Ashton Hams, who was fatally shot on Wednesday night in Kansas City. Police have officially identified Hams as the victim in what investigators are describing as a targeted shooting.

According to the Kansas City Police Department (KCPD), officers responded to the area of East 10th Street and Prospect Avenue at approximately 9:30 p.m. after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting the sound of gunfire. Upon arrival, officers discovered Hams lying unresponsive on the sidewalk near the intersection.

Emergency medical personnel arrived on scene within minutes and attempted life-saving measures, but tragically, Hams was pronounced dead at the scene.

Details of the Shooting

Witnesses reported hearing a rapid succession of gunshots and then seeing a vehicle flee the area at high speed. Some individuals in the neighborhood said they initially mistook the sounds for fireworks before realizing the severity of the situation.

A preliminary investigation suggests that Hams may have been specifically targeted, though police have not confirmed a motive. Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and traffic cameras, and they are urging any witnesses to come forward.

“We are actively working to determine what led up to this fatal shooting,” said KCPD spokesperson Sgt. Jake Becchina. “We are canvassing the area for evidence, speaking with witnesses, and reviewing all available video.”

So far, no arrests have been made, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Community Reaction

The fatal shooting adds to a disturbing trend of gun violence in Kansas City, which continues to grapple with rising homicide rates and community concerns about public safety. The intersection of East 10th and Prospect has long been known as a hotspot for crime, and local residents are demanding stronger action from city leaders.

“This has to stop. We’re burying too many of our people,” said a nearby resident who declined to be named. “Ashton didn’t deserve this. No one does.”

Neighbors described Hams as a familiar face in the area—quiet, respectful, and someone who largely kept to himself. Friends of the family gathered near the scene Thursday morning to leave flowers and light candles in memory of the 37-year-old victim.

“He had his struggles like everyone, but he didn’t bother anybody,” said one friend. “Now he’s gone, just like that.”

Ongoing Investigation

KCPD’s Homicide Unit is leading the investigation. Detectives are asking for the public’s assistance in gathering any information that may lead to identifying the suspect or suspects involved in the shooting.

Anyone who was in the area of East 10th Street and Prospect Avenue around 9:30 p.m. Wednesday night is encouraged to contact the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477). All tips can remain anonymous.

“Even the smallest detail could be the missing piece that helps us bring justice to Ashton and his family,” Sgt. Becchina emphasized.

Citywide Response and Resources

Kansas City officials have repeatedly pledged to combat the surge in violent crime through expanded community engagement, targeted policing efforts, and investment in youth and mental health services. However, critics argue that these measures are not keeping pace with the scale of the problem.

Mayor Quinton Lucas released a brief statement Thursday morning:

“My heart goes out to the family of Ashton Hams and every family torn apart by gun violence. We must do more. We will do more.”

Local organizations such as Mothers in Charge KC and Ad Hoc Group Against Crime have stepped in to provide support to the victim’s family and to work with community members on violence prevention initiatives.

Remembering Ashton Hams

As friends and family prepare for a vigil this weekend, many are remembering Hams as more than a statistic.

“He was a son, a brother, a friend,” said a cousin. “He had dreams. He had pain. He was human. And now he’s gone.”

Funeral arrangements are pending, and a GoFundMe page has reportedly been set up to help cover burial expenses.

As Kansas City mourns another life lost to violence, the community continues to ask the same haunting question: When will it end?