KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Man Killed in Wednesday Night Shooting Identified as 37-Year-Old Ashton Hams

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Man Killed in Wednesday Night Shooting Identified as 37-Year-Old Ashton Hams

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Authorities have released the identity of the man killed in a fatal shooting that occurred late Wednesday night near East 10th Street and Prospect Avenue. The victim has been identified as 37-year-old Ashton Hams, a local resident whose life was tragically cut short in an act of violence that has shaken the surrounding community.

According to the Kansas City Police Department (KCPD), officers were dispatched to the area shortly after 10:00 p.m. on Wednesday, following reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, first responders found Hams suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Emergency medical crews attempted life-saving measures at the scene, but Hams was pronounced dead shortly afterward.

Witnesses told investigators they heard multiple shots ring out in rapid succession, followed by the sound of a vehicle speeding away. The circumstances leading up to the shooting remain under investigation, and police have not yet released information about a suspect or possible motive.

Detectives spent several hours canvassing the area for witnesses and surveillance footage that might help in identifying the shooter. Authorities are urging anyone who may have seen something suspicious or has relevant information to come forward. Tips can be made anonymously through the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.

Ashton Hams’ death marks another grim addition to Kansas City’s growing list of homicides this year, a continuing concern for both city leaders and residents who are calling for stronger community action and more effective prevention efforts. Community advocates say the ongoing violence is not just a policing issue, but also a symptom of deeper systemic problems — including poverty, lack of access to mental health resources, and generational trauma.

“We lost another son, another brother, another friend last night,” said Rev. Leonard Smith, a local pastor and anti-violence advocate who lives just blocks away from the scene. “We cannot keep burying our people and calling it normal. Ashton Hams had a name, a story, and people who loved him.”

Family members of Hams have not publicly spoken about the incident, but neighbors described him as a quiet man who mostly kept to himself. Some remembered him from the neighborhood growing up, while others said he had recently returned to the area after spending time away.

The location of the shooting — near the busy intersection of 10th and Prospect — is a well-traveled corridor in Kansas City that has seen a disproportionate amount of gun violence over the years. Despite efforts to revitalize the area through economic and community initiatives, many residents say more needs to be done to ensure lasting safety.

City officials, including members of the Kansas City Council, have voiced renewed commitment to tackling violent crime through a combination of law enforcement and community-based strategies. However, critics argue that without targeted investments in youth programs, job opportunities, and housing, violence will continue to fester.

In the meantime, police are continuing to follow leads and review evidence in hopes of making an arrest. They urge anyone with knowledge of the incident to speak up — not only for justice, but for the future of a city striving for peace.

As the investigation continues, the community is left mourning the loss of another life to senseless violence. A vigil is expected to be organized in the coming days to honor Ashton Hams and call attention to the urgent need for change.