KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man faces felony charges in connection with a fatal shooting that took place near Westport on May 23.
Marquis Ponder, 30, faces 2nd Degree Murder, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.
According to court records, Kansas City police were dispatched to the area of Westport Road and Broadway Boulevard and located the victim suffering from a gunshot wound in a vehicle. He was transferred to an area hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.
Based on surveillance footage, Ponder and the victim and exchanged words while inside a nearby business. The victim exited and Ponder followed behind him. The two appeared to continue exchanging words and then the victim turned around and walked away from the Ponder. Ponder then reached his hand into his pant pocket, retrieved a firearm, and then fired at the victim. The victim ran to his parked vehicle and attempted to drive away.
The defendant is being held on a $200,000 cash bond.