Chris Wells dies in fatal Kansas City neighborhood shooting

Chris Wells dies in fatal Kansas City neighborhood shooting

Fatal Kansas City neighborhood shooting death of Chris Wells – Obituary

Chris Wells, 41, was killed in a shooting outside his home on NE 78th Street in Kansas City, Missouri, on Monday, January 12, 2026.

Authorities say Wells was shot during a confrontation with his neighbor, 42-year-old Jeffrey King. Police were called around 7:37 a.m. after Wells’ wife reported that her husband had been shot. Officers found Wells lying in the street with multiple gunshot injuries and pronounced him dead at the scene. Investigators recovered eight 9mm shell casings near his body, noting 13 gunshot impacts on Wells, including five to the front and eight to the back.

According to the probable cause documents, Wells and King had a prior history of disputes. Wells’ wife told police that a morning encounter with King escalated into a physical altercation, after which King fired at Wells. Witness accounts indicate Wells was shot while lying face down on the ground. King was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action, held on a $5 million bond. The investigation is ongoing, and no court date has been scheduled.