Kansas City Man Charged After Deadly Weekend Shooting at 18th & Vine District That Left One Dead, Several Injured
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — June 24, 2025 — A Kansas City man is facing serious charges following a violent outbreak in the city’s historic 18th and Vine District that left one man dead and five others wounded in the early morning hours of Sunday, June 22. Authorities have identified the suspect as Leonard Holman Jr., who now faces charges of unlawful discharge of a firearm and resisting or interfering with arrest, detention, or stop.
The Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office, led by Prosecutor Melesa Johnson, announced the charges Monday afternoon in response to the alarming incident that unfolded just after 2 a.m. near East 19th Street and Paseo Boulevard—a popular nightlife area known for its cultural significance and vibrant weekend crowds.
According to court documents, Kansas City police officers were dispatched to the area following reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, they witnessed a chaotic scene with dozens of people fleeing in panic. Among them was Holman, who officers say was holding a firearm and firing shots into the air.
Despite receiving verbal commands from police to drop his weapon and surrender, Holman allegedly fled the scene on foot. Officers pursued and eventually apprehended him. During questioning, Holman reportedly told investigators that he fired into the air as an act of self-defense, although he did not elaborate on the perceived threat.
Further investigation, including a review of traffic surveillance cameras, confirmed that Holman was seen retrieving a firearm from his waistband and firing multiple rounds into the air while standing in the middle of the intersection.
Tragically, the gunfire coincided with a mass shooting incident that left 26-year-old Ty’rick D. Henry dead at the scene. Henry, described by friends and family as a young man with a bright future, was among the many people gathered in the entertainment district that night. Authorities found his body near the intersection where Holman was seen discharging his weapon.
In addition to Henry’s death, five other individuals—four men and one woman—were discovered nearby with gunshot wounds. All were transported to local hospitals and are currently reported to be in stable condition, recovering from various injuries.
At this time, officials have not confirmed whether Holman’s gunfire directly caused any of the injuries or the fatal wound sustained by Henry. However, Holman’s actions during the incident—including firing a weapon in a crowded area and fleeing from police—prompted swift legal action. The prosecutor emphasized the recklessness of discharging a firearm in a densely populated area, regardless of intent.
“This type of irresponsible and unlawful behavior has no place in our community,” Johnson said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and the injured as we work with law enforcement to ensure accountability and justice.”
Holman is currently being held at the Jackson County Jail on a $10,000 bond. Prosecutors have not ruled out the possibility of additional charges as the investigation continues and ballistic evidence is analyzed.
The Kansas City Police Department is actively pursuing leads and encouraging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Detectives are particularly interested in cellphone videos, eyewitness accounts, and any footage that may have captured the moments leading up to and following the shooting.
This deadly episode marks yet another troubling chapter in the ongoing gun violence plaguing urban communities across the nation. The 18th and Vine District, often hailed as a cultural jewel of Kansas City for its rich jazz heritage and community events, now finds itself reeling in the aftermath of tragedy.
A memorial is being planned for Ty’rick Henry as his loved ones prepare to lay him to rest. Friends have taken to social media to mourn his loss, describing him as “loyal,” “driven,” and “full of love and laughter.”
As the investigation unfolds, residents and community leaders are renewing calls for stronger public safety measures and more resources to curb the rise in gun-related incidents in public gathering spaces.
Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact the Kansas City Police Department’s Homicide Unit or submit tips anonymously through the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.