Edgar Banks

Edgar Banks, a 31-year-old Black man from Kansas City, Kansas, was known affectionately to his family and friends as “Lil Eggy.” Those who loved him remember him as a cherished brother and friend whose absence created a profound void. On a memorial page, one message reads, “miss you bro hope u up there with pops looking down on me,” while another person shared, “just stop by eggy to say I still think bout you . u still my lil brother.” His life was unexpectedly and violently taken in the spring of 2019, leaving a community to grapple with the loss.

The afternoon of Sunday, May 26, 2019, was tragically disrupted by violence in a residential neighborhood. Just before 2:00 p.m., officers from the Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department were dispatched to the 3000 block of Parkwood Boulevard following reports of a shooting. When they arrived on the quiet street, they found Edgar Banks suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite immediate medical attention, his injuries were too severe, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. His death marked the third homicide in Kansas City, Kansas, in as many days, contributing to a period of heightened concern about violence in the community.

The Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department launched a homicide investigation in the hours that followed. Detectives secured the crime scene, collecting evidence and speaking with potential witnesses in the area. From the outset, however, the investigation faced challenges. Authorities announced that they had no information about a possible suspect or motive to release to the public. They made an immediate appeal for community assistance, urging anyone with knowledge of the shooting, no matter how insignificant it might seem, to come forward.

In the wake of Edgar’s death, his loved ones came together to support one another and manage the unexpected financial burdens. A GoFundMe campaign, "Lil Eggy's Memorial Fundraiser," was created by Damone Cribbs to help cover funeral and memorial expenses. This effort provided a space for friends and family to share their grief and honor his memory. Nearly three weeks after he was killed, on Saturday, June 15, 2019, a visitation was held at the Mrs. J.W. Jones Memorial Chapel. The funeral service followed, offering a formal opportunity for the community to celebrate his life and mourn his passing.

Years have passed since Edgar Banks was murdered, and his case has grown cold. No arrests have ever been announced, and no suspects have been publicly identified by law enforcement. His family's wait for answers continues, a painful limbo shared by many other families in the city. In a move that offered a glimmer of hope, the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department in January 2022 announced the formation of a dedicated Cold Case Unit. This new team was tasked with re-examining the city's backlog of approximately 285 unsolved homicides, including Edgar's, applying fresh eyes and modern investigative techniques to these lingering cases.

As of the latest available information, the investigation into Edgar Banks's homicide remains open and active within the cold case unit. Authorities continue to seek the critical piece of information that could break the case open and bring justice to his family. A reward may be available for tips that lead to an arrest. Anyone with information is strongly encouraged to contact the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-8477. Callers can choose to remain anonymous.