Category: News

Man charged with murder in death of child at 63rd and Leavenworth Road

Tyrone Murphy Jr.

Wyandotte County District Attorney Jerome A. Gorman today charged Tyrone Murphy Jr., 27, of Kansas City, Kan., with first-degree murder in connection with the April 9 death of 8-year-old Jasmine Rodriguez.

Rodriguez was a passenger in a Dodge Caravan being driven by her mother, which was struck by a Chevrolet Impala driven by Murphy, who was fleeing from Kansas City, Kan., police.

The collision happened at 63rd and Leavenworth Road.

The murder charge is based upon the theory of felony murder, where a person is killed during the commission of another offense that is designated by statute as an inherently dangerous felony.

Murphy is also charged with possession of cocaine, eluding a police officer, and three counts of aggravated battery arising from injuries to the driver and two other juvenile passengers in the Caravan.

The investigation of the collision is by the Kansas Highway Patrol, and it is ongoing. Murphy is currently in the Wyandotte County Jail. Bond was set at $1 million.

Kansas City, Kan., police reports

March 18

Battery, criminal damage, 2000 block of South Mill., door damaged, $150 value.

Burglary, criminal damage, 4000 block of South Thompson, furnishings, toys, clothing, Social Security card, certificate, furniture, $6,301 value.

Theft, 1800 block of North 38th, theater system, three televisions, $5,200 value.

Theft, 4900 block of Alma, Honda Accord, $2,500 value.

Theft, 1100 block of County Line Road, motorcycle, $2,300 value.

Theft, 1900 block of North 50th Terrace, utility trailer, $1,465 value.

March 17

Burglary, 1400 block of Village West Parkway, checks.

Theft, 1100 block of County Line Road, Honda Accord, $3,000 value.

March 16

Battery, 10900 block of Parallel Parkway.

Identity fraud, 9900 block of Sloan.

March 15

Battery, 900 block of Lyons.

March 13

Aggravated robbery, criminal damage, handgun, 13800 block of Polfer Road, cash, glass jars, $1,064.62 value.

Dec. 31, 2012

Identity fraud, 3200 block of Barnett.

Temporary burn ban lifted

The change in weather conditions has allowed for the temporary outdoor burn ban in place to be lifted, according to the Kansas City, Kan., Fire Department.

Kansas City, Kan., residents may apply for a burn permit at any Kansas City, Kan., Fire Station, according to a Fire Department spokesman.

The burn permit must be applied for 24 hours in advance of the intended burn day. All burn permit guidelines will be strictly enforced, the spokesman said. Residents are reminded to use extreme caution anytime during this open burn period, the Fire Department stated.

If weather conditions dictate, a burn ban may be enforced again, the spokesman said.