Missouri prosecutors announced on Tuesday that two individuals have been formally charged with murder in connection with the tragic mass shooting incident that occurred during the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl parade last week. Lyndell Mays from Raytown, Missouri, and Dominic Miller from Kansas City, Missouri, are facing charges including second-degree murder, armed criminal action, and unlawful use of a weapon.
According to court documents and statements made during a news conference by Jackson County prosecutor Jean Peters Baker, the altercation leading to the shooting erupted between two groups of individuals who became agitated, believing they were being stared at by members of the other group. Surveillance footage revealed that Mays and an associate aggressively approached the opposing group, with Mays initiating gunfire despite the presence of bystanders, including children.
Mays reportedly told detectives that he hesitated to shoot initially due to the presence of children but ultimately fired after feeling threatened by someone from the other group. Miller initially claimed innocence, stating that he and his friends were fleeing the scene upon hearing gunfire, but later confessed to firing multiple shots after investigators presented video evidence of his involvement.
Tragically, one of the bullets fired by Miller resulted in the death of Lisa Lopez-Galvan, who was among the crowd attending the Chiefs rally nearby. In response to the charges, Lopez-Galvan’s family expressed a sense of reassurance, acknowledging the efforts of law enforcement in identifying the suspects involved.
Although ages were not officially released, court records suggest that Mays is in his early twenties while Miller is estimated to be 18 or 19 years old. The charges follow the detention of two juveniles last week on related charges, with authorities indicating the possibility of additional charges as investigations continue.
The shooting, which left 22 people injured, ranging in age from 8 to 47, underscores the urgency of holding all responsible parties accountable. Despite this incident, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas reaffirmed the city’s commitment to celebrating victories, though discussions about the safety of such events have been sparked.
In response to the shooting, Missouri’s House passed a ban on celebratory gunfire in cities in a bipartisan vote, indicating a concerted effort to address issues surrounding public safety during celebratory events. This measure, which now awaits consideration by the Missouri Senate, reflects ongoing discussions surrounding crime prevention and community safety in the aftermath of such tragic incidents.