On the morning of April 24, 2016, 23-year-old Tashari Nelson was shot in the head and later declared brain dead after being taken to a Kansas City hospital. Nelson, a Black woman and mother of three young daughters, had reportedly called a male friend for help after saying she had been assaulted; when that friend arrived at the 3700 block of Jackson Avenue an unknown assailant or assailants opened fire. Emergency crews found Nelson on the pavement next to a vehicle; a second woman was also shot in the head but was expected to recover.

Nelson had graduated from a Job Corps program, was working as a nurse, and planned to continue her education. Her death was counted as the city’s 29th homicide that year. No arrests or suspect identifications have been publicly announced and the case remains unresolved.

If anyone knew Tashari, saw activity around Jackson Avenue that morning, or has information, please come forward.