Kansas City Mourns 19-Year-Old Jesse Marquez, Fatally Shot in City’s 10th Homicide of 2025
The city of Kansas City, Kansas is reeling after the tragic and untimely death of Jesse Marquez, a 19-year-old whose life was cut short over the weekend in a senseless act of gun violence. The Kansas City Police Department has confirmed that Marquez was the victim of a fatal shooting, marking the 10th homicide of 2025 in the city — a grim milestone that has reignited urgent conversations about youth violence, public safety, and community healing.
💔 A Life Taken Too Soon
Family, friends, and neighbors remember Jesse Marquez as a kind-hearted, hardworking, and family-oriented young man with aspirations of building a better future for himself and those he loved. A recent high school graduate, Jesse had dreams of pursuing a career in automotive repair and had recently enrolled in a local vocational program.
“Jesse had such a good soul,” said his cousin Alyssa Ramirez, through tears. “He was quiet but funny, respectful, and full of love for his family. He didn’t deserve this. None of this makes sense.”
Jesse was known to spend time helping his younger siblings with schoolwork, working odd jobs to help his mother with bills, and volunteering at his church’s youth group on weekends. His death has not only devastated his family but shaken the community that watched him grow up.
🔫 The Incident: What Happened
According to the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department (KCKPD), officers responded to reports of gunfire around 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 28, near the 600 block of N. 14th Street. Upon arrival, officers found Jesse suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency responders attempted life-saving measures, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities say that preliminary evidence suggests Jesse may have been targeted, though the motive remains under investigation. Witnesses reported seeing a dark-colored sedan speeding away from the scene shortly after the gunfire erupted. No arrests have been made at this time, and police are actively seeking information from the public.
“This is an active and ongoing investigation,” said KCKPD spokesperson Sgt. David Thomas. “We’re asking anyone who was in the area or who may have surveillance footage to come forward.”
🕯️ Community Response and Vigil
The community’s response has been one of grief, outrage, and solidarity. On Sunday evening, dozens of mourners gathered at the site of the shooting for a candlelight vigil, where prayers, tears, and memories were shared under a banner that read “Justice for Jesse.” Friends placed flowers, photos, and handwritten notes at a growing memorial.
“We can’t let Jesse become just another number,” said local youth advocate Carlos Mendoza. “We’ve lost too many. Our young people are being taken before they even get a chance to live.”
The vigil included speeches from community leaders, religious figures, and classmates who described Jesse as gentle, hardworking, and full of potential. The mood was somber, but calls for justice and reform echoed through the crowd.
📢 Family’s Plea for Justice
Jesse’s family has made a public plea for justice and accountability, urging anyone with information to come forward.
“We’re broken,” said Jesse’s mother, María Marquez. “No mother should ever have to bury her son. If you know something — anything — please say something. Help us get justice for Jesse.”
The family has also set up a GoFundMe page to help cover funeral expenses and support his younger siblings, who are still trying to understand the loss.
📉 Ongoing Violence and Public Safety Concerns
Jesse’s death adds to a troubling pattern of youth-involved gun violence in Kansas City, Kansas. With 10 homicides already recorded in the first half of 2025, city officials are expressing renewed concern over public safety and the urgent need for intervention programs.
KCKPD and city leaders have pledged to bolster community outreach, youth engagement efforts, and neighborhood patrols in violence-prone areas. Mayor Tyrone Garner issued a statement condemning the violence and calling for community unity:
“We cannot allow this cycle of violence to continue. Every life lost is a tragedy, and Jesse’s is no exception. We stand with his family and vow to pursue justice with every resource available.”
🚨 Investigation Ongoing
KCKPD continues to investigate the circumstances of Jesse’s death and is asking anyone with tips, footage, or witness accounts to contact the department directly at (913) 573-6020 or anonymously through TIPS Hotline at (816) 474-TIPS.
🕊️ Remembering Jesse
Though Jesse Marquez’s life ended far too soon, his memory remains a powerful reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of community. As Kansas City mourns this young soul, many are vowing not only to honor his legacy but to fight for a safer future — where no more young lives are stolen by senseless violence.
“He wasn’t perfect,” his uncle said. “But he was ours. And he deserved a chance to grow up, to live his life. We won’t let his name be forgotten.”
Jesse’s funeral arrangements will be announced in the coming days. Until then, his community continues to stand together — in grief, in remembrance, and in pursuit of justice.