Melvin Simpson Jr. was found fatally shot inside a residence at 1301 W. 7th St., Coffeyville, Kansas, on May 16, 2022. The discovery followed a tip that originated with the Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department; Coffeyville officers placed the duplex under surveillance and saw 61-year-old David A. Jackson leave the home. After a brief interview, officers entered and located Simpson, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation assisted the Coffeyville Police Department. Jackson was initially held on unrelated charges but was formally arrested in custody on May 23, 2022, on suspicion of first-degree murder; authorities also charged him with criminal possession of a weapon, felony obstruction of justice, and unlawful discharge of a weapon. Simpson’s death was officially ruled a homicide.

Melvin, known to family and friends as Mel Jr., was born May 17, 1974. He was the oldest child of Melvin James Simpson Sr. and Sandra K. Simpson, grew up in Independence, Kansas, graduated high school, attended several colleges, was a father, and had plans for a non-profit called 2nd Chance Ministries and a mobile barbershop. Does anyone have information about Melvin’s last movements or knew of his plans in Coffeyville?