KCPD continue to investigate ‘accidental’ shooting of 5-year-old boy

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Kansas City police are continuing to investigate the shooting death of a 5-year-old boy they believe to be accidental. 

On Tuesday night, KCPD responded to the neighborhood near E. 51st St. and Eastwood Trafficway for a shooting call. 

Police said a 5-year-old boy suffered injuries from what they believe to be an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound. On Wednesday, KCTV5 spoke with the child’s mother off-camera. 

She said her son, 5-year-old Mari Scott, had just finished Kindergarten Round Up the day before.  It’s a shocking situation for many in the neighborhood. 

“Just sad, a friend of ours had that happen to their little boy, it was devastating,” said Jeffrey McMillen, who lives near the incident. 

“The baby didn’t even have a chance to grow and so I know that mother must be going out of her mind,” said Mary Davis, who lives nearby. 

For 10 years, Davis has lived in the neighborhoods. 

“My heart goes out to her,” said Davis. 

She knows the pain of losing a child. Twenty-five years ago, she lost her son Derrick Davis to gun violence. 

“He was murdered on 31st and Mersington,” said Davis, adding, “It seems like yesterday. It’s something you learn to live with you never forget but you learn to live with it.”

She planned to introduce herself to Scott’s mother to show her she is not alone. 

“Things happen and we might not understand but something good can come out of tragedies we just don’t see it, but hopefully we can do something to make it easier for her to accept what has happened,” said Davis. 

Kansas City Police said they are still investigating the incident as of Wednesday afternoon.

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