Kansas City, MO — On Monday, family and friends gathered in Gillham Park to celebrate the life of Nicholas Carter, a Kansas City resident who was tragically shot and killed last month near Oak Leaf Drive and Crabapple Lane.
A Birthday Tribute for Nicholas
The vigil was held on what would have been Carter’s 37th birthday. Loved ones gathered with birthday balloons in hand to remember the joyful moments they shared with Carter. His mother, Kelley Fitzpatrick, shared a heartfelt message:
“Unfortunately, his life was taken away on July 15, 2025, sometime in the morning. It’s really hard. We had a baby shower yesterday, and you know, missing him is going to be just something; he was the life of the party.”
Carter’s family and friends reflected on his outgoing personality and how he always made people feel welcome:
“He didn’t meet a stranger, a good personality. He also, you know, how they say never go to sleep mad, if he maybe had an argument or something, he ended that,” Fitzpatrick explained.
A Call to End Gun Violence
As the vigil came to a close, loved ones participated in a balloon release and a call to end gun violence in the city.
Kansas City has already experienced over 100 homicides in 2025. Rosilyn Temple, founder of KC Mothers in Charge, a violence prevention organization, spoke to the crowd about the need for the community to unite against gun violence:
“I’m just so angry with my community because it’s like the community just tapped out. We’ve got to stop being okay with it. Get angry, do something. Make it your business. Tell on these people, use Crimestoppers—$25,000 reward. You can be anonymous. Or just call the police department,” Temple said.
KC Mothers in Charge – Fighting for Safer Communities
KC Mothers in Charge is an organization led by mothers, families, and loved ones affected by homicide. The group advocates for safer neighborhoods through vigils, community outreach, and trauma-informed counseling. They aim to heal those affected by violent crime while continuing to raise awareness about the dangers of gun violence.
How to Help Solve the Case
Kansas City Police continue to investigate Carter’s murder. Authorities are asking anyone with information to come forward. You can contact the Kansas City Police Department Homicide Unit at (816) 234-5043 or submit information anonymously through the TIPS Hotline at (816) 474-8477. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for tips leading to an arrest.
For further details, watch the full report here.
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