A man in Kansas City, Missouri has been sentenced by the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office, making him one of the first individuals to face stricter penalties due to a recent law change in Missouri.
In July 2024, the then-Governor of Missouri, Mike Parson, took action by signing a package of bills, including Senate Bill 754, into law.
Part of SB 754 introduced Blair’s Law, which criminalized the act of discharging a firearm within city limits. In addition to this, the law also implemented harsher penalties for specific offenses. These offenses encompass armed criminal action, repeat offenses, endangering the welfare of a child, and unlawful possession of a firearm.
According to the updated guidelines, Marcus Bell, the offender, received the maximum sentence for his recent conviction of unlawful possession of a firearm, as stated by JCPO.
On October 29, 2024, the Kansas City Police Department received a call about shots being fired at a residence in Kansas City. Upon arrival, the officers were informed by a victim that he had heard gunshots and discovered bullet holes in the front of his house.
The suspect, later identified as Bell, was captured on surveillance footage shooting at the home before fleeing the scene.
According to JCPO, Bell had a history of felony convictions, which included robbery and unlawful possession of a firearm. The shooting incident on October 29 did not result in any injuries. However, due to his previous convictions, he received the maximum sentence.
“The new sentencing structure gives us the tools we need to keep dangerous, repeat gun offenders off Jackson County streets,” said Prosecutor Johnson in a press release. “Our community is at risk when individuals with prior felony convictions continue to illegally get their hands on firearms. The strengthened state law allows us to pursue sentences that reflect the severity of these repeat offenses.”