Heartbreak in Kansas City: Monique Smith Fatally Shot at Gas Station in Tragic Act of Violence

KANSAS CITY, MO — June 14, 2025 — A heavy cloud of grief hangs over Kansas City this weekend after the tragic and senseless killing of Monique Smith, a 33-year-old mother of two, who was gunned down Saturday morning during an altercation at a gas station near 35th Street and Prospect Avenue. The news has not only stunned the local community but also ignited renewed conversations about rising violence, public safety, and the silent heroes among us.

Tragedy Strikes Without Warning

The incident occurred around 6:45 a.m., according to preliminary police reports and eyewitness accounts. Monique, who was stopping at the gas station before heading to work, reportedly found herself caught in the middle of a heated verbal dispute between two unknown men. Known for her calm demeanor and natural instinct to de-escalate tension, Monique reportedly stepped in to help cool things down — a decision that would tragically cost her life.

In a sudden outburst of violence, one of the men brandished a handgun and opened fire. Monique was struck and collapsed to the ground near the gas pumps. Surveillance footage showed bystanders scrambling for safety as the suspect fled the scene in what police later identified as a silver Dodge Charger.

Emergency medical personnel arrived swiftly and transported Monique to a nearby hospital, where doctors fought to save her life. Despite their best efforts, she was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.

A Life Remembered: Kindness, Strength, and Love

To those who knew her, Monique Smith was more than just a name in the headlines — she was a force of light, described by family and friends as deeply selfless, hardworking, and compassionate. She was a single mother raising two young children, ages 7 and 10, and held down two jobs to provide them with a better life.

“She was the type of woman who gave even when she had nothing to spare,” said Tamara Collins, a close friend who had known Monique since high school. “She didn’t just talk about love and community — she lived it. She saw people in pain and wanted to help. That’s what she did that morning — and now she’s gone.”

Her mother, Renee Smith, fought through tears to speak to reporters outside their family home in east Kansas City.

“She died being who she always was — a protector, a peacemaker. My baby tried to do the right thing. She didn’t deserve this.”

Kansas City Grieves — and Demands Answers

Within hours of the news breaking, residents began gathering at the scene of the shooting, transforming the gas station’s parking lot into a makeshift memorial filled with candles, handwritten signs, flowers, and photographs. Strangers embraced one another, shared prayers, and chanted “No more silence, end the violence.”

Local activist group KC Mothers United for Peace has announced a community-wide vigil and rally scheduled for Wednesday evening at Prospect Plaza Park, just a few blocks from where Monique was killed.

“This is not just about Monique — this is about all of us,” said Denise Booker, director of the group. “She did everything society tells Black women to do — she worked hard, raised her kids, stayed out of trouble. And she still didn’t make it home. That should break everyone’s heart.”

The Hunt for Justice

The Kansas City Police Department (KCPD) has launched an intensive investigation into the shooting. Detectives have confirmed they are reviewing multiple sources of video footage from the gas station and nearby businesses.

The suspect has been described as a Black male in his early 30s, last seen wearing dark jeans and a gray hoodie. He reportedly fled the scene in a silver Dodge Charger heading eastbound. No arrest has been made as of Sunday morning.

“This was a cold, senseless act of violence,” said Sgt. Jake Becchina, spokesperson for KCPD. “Monique Smith was an innocent bystander — worse, she was trying to help. We are treating this as a top priority case, and we’re asking the community to come forward with any information that may help us bring her killer to justice.”

Authorities urge anyone with tips to contact the KCPD’s Homicide Unit at (816) 234-5043 or submit anonymous information through Crime Stoppers at 816-474-TIPS (8477).

A Family Left Shattered

In the aftermath of Monique’s death, her family is now grappling with unimaginable loss. Her children, who family members say were her “entire world,” are now left to grow up without their mother’s presence, love, and protection.

A GoFundMe campaign launched by her cousin, Jessica Lawson, seeks to raise funds for funeral costs and ongoing care for the children. The campaign has already gained support from hundreds of donors and continues to circulate on social media.

“Monique was the glue of our family,” Jessica wrote in the fundraiser description. “She held us together with love and grace. We want to give her the goodbye she deserves — and make sure her babies are cared for in the way she would have wanted.”

#JusticeForMonique: A Movement Grows

The hashtag #JusticeForMonique has gained traction on social media as friends, family, activists, and concerned citizens across the nation share Monique’s story. Her death has become a rallying cry for deeper investments in community safety, conflict intervention, and support for families affected by violence.

Many are also calling on city leaders to increase funding for mental health services, non-police crisis responders, and youth mentorship programs in neighborhoods hardest hit by violence.

“We owe it to Monique and every woman like her to make sure this cycle ends,” said Mayor Quinton Lucas in a press briefing. “Her story will not be forgotten, and her legacy will live on in the policies and protections we push forward.”

In Her Name

Monique Smith’s life was one of love, courage, and sacrifice. While her death is a devastating blow to her loved ones and the broader community, her story is also a testament to the power of everyday heroism.

She was not a celebrity. She was not in a position of power. She was an ordinary woman who did something extraordinary — she stood up for peace in a moment of chaos. And though her life was stolen too soon, her legacy will live on in the hearts of her children, in the memory of those who loved her, and in the calls for justice echoing throughout Kansas City.

As the city grieves, it does so with resolve — to mourn, to remember, and to demand a safer future for all.

If you or someone you know has information related to the fatal shooting of Monique Smith, please call the Kansas City Police Department at (816) 234-5043 or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 816-474-TIPS (8477).

To support Monique’s family and children, visit the official GoFundMe page linked on the tribute page: Kansas City Mourns the Loss of Monique Smith.