A neighbourhood dispute in Missouri has ended in tragedy, leaving one man dead and another facing a first-degree murder charge. The case has shocked residents because the conflict between the two neighbours had been building for a long time, with complaints, tension and past incidents already reported to authorities before the fatal shooting occurred.
Long-running neighbour conflict turns deadly
Jeffrey King, 42, from Kansas City, Missouri, has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of his neighbour, Chris Wells, 41. According to police, the two men had a history of conflict that had been getting worse over time.
Court documents say officers described the situation as a “long-running series of confrontations” between King and Wells. Investigators even found a handwritten note inside King’s home during a search. The note reportedly mentioned Wells by name and included angry lines suggesting ongoing frustration about property issues, noise, and even references to guns and damage.
Police believe this shows the tension between the neighbours had been building long before the day of the shooting.
What allegedly happened on the day of the shooting
According to the probable cause affidavit, the incident began with a disagreement outside their homes. Police say King allegedly threw a blanket onto Wells’ property, which led to a confrontation.
Wells’ wife told investigators that she had already been feeling unsafe due to King’s past behaviour. A no-contact order was reportedly in place, meaning the neighbours were not supposed to communicate directly.
On the day of the incident:
- Wells’ wife saw King near her property while walking her dog
- She called her husband to warn him about the situation
- Wells returned home from work and went to confront King
- A physical fight broke out between the two men in the street
Surveillance footage from a nearby home reportedly captured audio of at least eight gunshots, though the actual shooting was partially blocked from view by a vehicle.
Witnesses describe a disturbing scene
Two juvenile witnesses told detectives they saw the moment that has now become central to the murder charge. According to their statements:
- Wells was lying face down on the ground
- King was standing over him
- They saw King shoot Wells in the back while he was already on the ground
This witness testimony is a key part of the case against King and strongly contradicts his claim of self-defence.
King reportedly told an acquaintance, “He attacked me… punched me in the face and I shot him dead,” suggesting he believed he was defending himself. However, police say the evidence collected so far raises serious doubts about that version of events.
History of complaints and neighbour harassment
Wells’ wife told police that King had a long pattern of harassing behaviour, not only toward her family but also toward other neighbours in the area. According to court documents, the issues had been reported before to:
- The homeowners association
- Local law enforcement
- Other authorities
Some of the alleged behaviour included:
- Harassing comments and actions toward neighbours
- Past physical conflict involving Wells
- Parking vehicles in ways that blocked access to mailboxes
- Creating ongoing disturbances in the area
This history is now part of the broader investigation into whether the shooting was a sudden act or the result of escalating hostility.
Evidence found by police
During a search of King’s home, detectives reportedly found:
| Evidence | Details |
|---|---|
| Firearms | Multiple 9mm guns recovered |
| Ammunition | 9mm ammunition matching casings at the scene |
| Note | Handwritten note referencing the victim by name |
| Casings | 9mm casings found at the crime scene |
Police believe this evidence further supports the case that King was responsible for the shooting.
Charges and court dates
Jeffrey King has been arrested and charged with:
- First-degree murder
- Armed criminal action
He is currently being held at the Clay County Detention Center on a $5 million bond. He is expected to appear in court on:
- January 20 for a bond reduction hearing
- February 27 for a preliminary hearing
The case is still under investigation, and more details may come out as it moves through the court system.
