Three additional individuals have been charged in relation to a tragic mass shooting that occurred during the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory parade, resulting in the loss of one life and over 20 injuries.
The US Attorney’s Office of the Western District of Missouri revealed in a statement on Wednesday that at least two of the firearms recovered in the aftermath of the shooting were acquired through illegal purchasing or trafficking.
According to the announcement, on February 14th, a total of 12 individuals were armed and at least six of them discharged their firearms during the incident at Union Station.
Fedo Antonia Manning, 22, was charged in a 12-count criminal complaint on Monday. Additionally, Ronnel Dewayne Williams, Jr., 21, and Chaelyn Hendrick Groves, 19, were charged in a four-count federal criminal complaint.
The complaint does not mention whether any of the three men were involved in the shooting that day. Instead, it focuses on the firearms that investigators have linked to the suspects.
At the scene, authorities discovered several firearms and backpacks. Among them was an Anderson Manufacturing AM-15 .223-calibre pistol, which had been left beside a wall. In addition, two AR-15-style firearms and their corresponding backpacks were also found nearby.
According to investigators, the pistol was found in the “fire” position, with a magazine containing 26 live rounds.
The AM-15 rifle was reportedly connected to Mr. Manning, who bought it from Frontier Justice in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, on August 7, 2022.
Mr. Williams was linked to a second firearm, specifically a Stag Arms 300-calibre pistol. It was reported that he purchased it for Mr. Goves, who was underage and therefore unable to buy it himself.
Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves expressed in a press release that despite the lasting impact of the events that occurred on February 14th, the dedication and hard work of our federal partners and KCPD detectives serve as a testament to their commitment to the city.
“We are committed to holding accountable those responsible for the violence in our city.”
Prosecutors claim that Mr. Manning bought “dozens” of firearms, and 15 of them were discovered in the possession of others. Some of these individuals were actually prohibited from owning a firearm.
Mr. Manning has faced accusations of being the straw purchaser of seven firearms, suggesting that he may have purchased them on behalf of individuals who are legally prohibited from owning firearms.
The defendant is facing multiple charges, including conspiracy to traffic firearms, engaging in firearm sales without a license, and making false statements on a federal form.
In another criminal complaint, Mr. Williams and Mr. Groves are facing charges.
The individuals are charged with conspiring to make false statements when acquiring firearms and assisting in the act of making false statements during the acquisition of firearms.
According to reports, Mr. Williams is said to have purchased the firearm for Mr. Goves at a gun show, even though he was underage at the time. Later, Mr. Goves completed the firearm by purchasing a 300-blackout upper a month later.
After the alleged “shootout,” Mr. Groves stated that the gun was stolen. However, he chose not to report the theft and instead attended another gun show with a different companion, who purchased a replacement firearm for him.
US Attorney Teresa Moore emphasized the significance of enforcing federal firearms laws, stating that it is crucial in combating gun violence. She highlighted the importance of stopping straw buyers and preventing illegal firearms trafficking as the primary defense against such violence.
“At least two firearms recovered from the scene of the tragic mass shooting at Union Station were found to have been acquired or trafficked illegally.”
“We work closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure that firearms do not end up in the hands of criminals. Our primary focus is on investigating and prosecuting individuals involved in the illegal buying and selling of dangerous weapons.”
On February 16, two individuals under the age of 18 were charged with gun-related offenses and resisting arrest. Additionally, two adult males were charged in connection with the shooting incident that occurred during the parade. The altercation was sparked by a disagreement between two different groups.
Dominic M Miller, an 18-year-old from Kansas City, and Lyndell Mays, a 22-year-old from Raytown, are both being charged with second-degree murder. Additionally, they are facing two counts of armed criminal action and the unlawful use of a weapon.
