By Robert A. Cronkleton
July 1, 2026 2:31 PM
Read more at: https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article316348275.html#storylink=cpy
The family of a 22-year-old woman killed in shooting at a QuikTrip in Kansas City two years ago has sued the company for wrongful death. Tykeedra Henderson died after she was shot shortly after 1 a.m. July 4, 2024, at the QuikTrip store at 3101 Southwest Blvd. in Kansas City.
Henderson’s mother, Leyana James of Kansas City, and her aunt, Alisha Hutson of Burke, Virginia, filed the suit Monday in the Jackson County Circuit Court. Hutson is also the personal representative of Henderson’s estate.
They claim that QuikTrip knew, or should have known, that the store had a risk of crime and violence, and the company did not do enough to protect customers. They are seeking an unspecified amount in damages. A QuikTrip spokesperson did not immediately respond Wednesday to a request for comment.
Henderson was shot and killed at a gas station near West 31st and Bell streets near Southwest Boulevard on July 4 just after 1:00 a.m. said Jake Becchina, a spokesperson for the Kansas City Police Department. Henderson was shot and killed at a gas station near West 31st and Bell streets near Southwest Boulevard on July 4 just after 1:00 a.m. said Jake Becchina, a spokesperson for the Kansas City Police Department.
What Happened?
Henderson was pulling her vehicle into the parking lot of the QuikTrip gas station near 31st Street and Bell just off of Southwest Boulevard just after 1 a.m. on the Fourth of July when she was shot and killed, her SUV rolling to a stop against the curb.
Police, using surveillance video and data from area license plate readers, were able to identify several witnesses from the incident over a period of months. Probable cause documents show witnesses told police that a man they all identified as Smith had gotten out of a car that night and gone around the side of the building to urinate when he got into a fight with a homeless man for apparently staring at him. Witnesses said he fired several shots into the air and that Smith’s gun had a switch on it that continued to fire until he removed his finger from the trigger. Witnesses told police Smith couldn’t control his weapon as he attacked the other man involved.
When interviewed, Smith allegedly identified himself in a photo taken the morning of the homicide while he was wearing a medallion and shirt consistent with what the suspect was seen wearing in surveillance video from QuikTrip. Smith told police he’d gone around the side of the gas station to “pee” when he was approached by another man asking for a “shell.” Smith admitted to turning and shooting at the man, but told police he’d shot twice into the ground before then punching the man. Probable cause documents state Smith told police he didn’t know he had shot Henderson as she was pulling into the parking lot.
Smith was arrested Tuesday, and the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office announced charges in the case Thursday.
“Last year’s tragic shooting highlights the danger of resolving conflicts through gun violence,” said prosecutor Melesa Johnson. “What began as an argument escalated into gunfire and took an innocent life. We will continue to prosecute those who engage in this type of reckless behavior to the fullest extent of the law in order to prevent more senseless deaths.”
KMBZ News (March 2025)
First and foremost. This was a tragic event. No family should ever have to suffer the loss of a child, especially to random gun violence.
