No charges will be filed against a Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office Deputy who shot and killed 19-year-old Saveion McConnell on May 1 in Johnson County.
Johnson County Prosecuting Attorney Robert W. Russell announced the decision Tuesday, Sept. 15. A document states that, based on the evidence presented to Russell's office for the case, there would not be a reasonable likelihood of a conviction.
"It is a sad and regrettable situation that resulted in the death of Saveion McConnell," Russell said. "When the loss of his life was avoidable, it is sadder still. However, when the legal standard for the use of deadly force in a criminal case is met, a criminal prosecution is not the proper vehicle to address any issues that may be addressed in a civil lawsuit, which has a different burden of proof and legal standards for the use of force in these situations."
McConnell was shot and killed on U.S. Highway 50 and NW 1601 Road, where he and another male were stopped by law enforcement as part of an investigation into an earlier shooting that left a juvenile female injured in the area of U.S. Highway 50 and Missouri Route 131.
An investigation determined McConnell was the rear driver-side passenger in a vehicle traveling westbound to Lee’s Summit from a party in Warrensburg.
A document related to the case states another passenger told law enforcement they had an AR-style rifle in the vehicle when they traveled to Warrensburg. Other passengers stated McConnell had acquired a Glock pistol before leaving the party.
The pistol is stated to be the weapon that was discharged on their return from Warrensburg, striking the juvenile female driver in the back.
The girl stopped the car, and footage from a nearby business showed people exiting the car, including one who fled on foot.
The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office arrived on scene shortly after, and the victim identified McConnell as the person who had shot her. She added he had left the scene.
A family member picked up two passengers from the scene, and they later spotted McConnell walking along Highway 50 near Elm.
They stopped and one of the passengers got out of the vehicle to speak with McConnell.
Johnson County Sheriff’s Office deputy and Odessa Police Department officer arrived at the location shortly after and attempted to detain both males.
McConnell took off running down the highway as a Lafayette County deputy arrived on scene and came into contact with their vehicle. He then got up and began running toward a wire fence.
The deputy told investigators he did not intentionally hit McConnell and that he had applied the brakes before the collision.
Law enforcement caught up and ordered McConnell to put his hands up and get on the ground. McConnell then reached for his waistband as if he were grabbing them. At that point, the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office deputy shot McConnell. Nine shell casings were found at the scene. It was later determined McConnell was unarmed.
A memo from Russell states the deputy had reason to determine he was in danger since the earlier female victim told law enforcement McConnell could be armed.
Romanucci & Blandin, which represents McConnell's family in his death, issued a statement based on Russell's findings.
"The family of Saveion McConnell is devastated by the lack of any criminal charges against the officer who shot Saveion to death. Saveion was unarmed, yet the officer fired multiple rounds even after striking Saveion with his car. The decision not to bring criminal charges does not mean there is an absence of wrongdoing. Our team continues our investigation into the tragic killing of Saveion McConnell."
