KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities investigating two shootings in Kansas City that left three dead and at least five others injured have a suspect in custody.
Just after 4:30a.m., officers were called to the intersection of 57th Street and Prospect Avenue and found three shooting victims — two men and one woman — dead in a parking lot and in the street, the Kansas City Police Department said in a news release.
Police were told that five other shooting victims with injuries that were not life-threatening arrived at various hospitals by private vehicles or ambulance, the department said. “Preliminary information indicates there was a large gathering of people in a parking lot at the intersection when the victims were shot," the department said.
The investigation indicates the gathering took place outside an auto mechanic shop that is known to host informal after hours gatherings, though there is not a licensed club, bar or restaurant at that location, according to police spokesperson Jake Becchina.
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas posted on Twitter, “My condolences to the families of three people killed in a shooting this morning at an apparent after-hours gathering near 57 and Prospect. If the business knew persons would be present, without security, selling alcohol, and thwarting our laws, that business should be closed."
Police also responded to a nearby shooting on Prospect Avenue near 31st Street around 3 a.m. where at least one person suffered life-threatening injuries.
Police released no additional details including the name of victims and a possible motive for the shootings.
-The Associated Press contributed to this report
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