On the rainy evening of March 29, 2022, 32-year-old David Joseph Rowe was shot and killed in the parking lot of a Phillips 66 Minit Mart on South Noland Road in Independence, Missouri. Rowe and his girlfriend had driven there around 11:00 p.m. to buy cigarettes but found the store closed. While in the lot they noticed a man arguing loudly on a cellphone; Rowe pulled his Mazda SUV closer to offer the man a ride out of the downpour.

Witnesses say the man, identified as 28-year-old Aaron L. Simmons Jr. of Kansas City, became aggressive, claimed the car nearly struck him and started shouting threats. When Rowe rolled down his window to explain, Simmons allegedly threatened to shoot. Rowe exited his vehicle and was struck by multiple rounds; he was found lifeless near the SUV and pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators obtained a witness description and surveillance footage. An anonymous tip prompted police to watch Simmons’ residence; he was arrested leaving the house and officers recovered a 9mm Glock that was forensically matched to casings from the scene. Simmons has been charged with second-degree murder and armed criminal action. Anyone with information about the shooting or who witnessed the moments before it is asked to come forward.