Sedalia, Mo. — Tensions have escalated following a tragic incident earlier this year in which a Sedalia man was fatally shot, leading to multiple charges against 23-year-old Sedalia resident Kenkori Grant. Authorities have now charged Grant with additional offenses, including harassment of the victim’s family, in a case that continues to unsettle the local community.
In April, Sedalia police responded to a report of gunfire in the city. Upon arrival, they discovered a male victim suffering from a fatal gunshot wound to the head. Family members at the scene identified Grant as the shooter. Investigators at the crime scene found both handgun and rifle casings, suggesting a violent confrontation.
Two days after the shooting, the victim was pronounced dead at University Hospital in Columbia. Initially, Grant faced charges of first-degree murder, unlawful use of a weapon, and armed criminal action. Following his return to Missouri in June, authorities arrested Grant, though he subsequently posted bail and was released in July and again in August.
On October 1, a failure to appear warrant was issued after Grant did not show up for a scheduled court appearance. He faces charges that now include second-degree murder, endangering the welfare of a child, and unlawful possession of a firearm, reflecting an escalation in the legal stakes.
This ongoing saga took another turn on September 17 when police were dispatched to a local grocery store following reports that Grant was intimidating the deceased’s relatives. During the encounter, he allegedly threatened their lives. These allegations led to Grant receiving an additional charge of harassment on October 16, further complicating his legal troubles.
Shortly after, on October 13, an attempt to apprehend Grant occurred when the Willard Police Department spotted his vehicle on Highway 160 near Hunt Rd. Despite officers managing to pull him over, Grant fled on foot and remains at large.
A new arrest warrant was issued following the latest charges, and, as of the last update, Grant has not been apprehended. This ongoing situation has sparked concern within the community as authorities continue to pursue Grant.
The case underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement in managing suspects out on bail, particularly in instances involving violent crimes. The community remains on high alert as the search for Grant continues, underscoring the urgency of public safety and the swift administration of justice in volatile cases such as this.