Northeast News

Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson announced charges on Friday, Aug. 8 against a Blue Springs, Mo. man for a fatal shooting that took place in Northeast Kansas City.

Arel Dawkins faces 1st Degree Murder and Armed Criminal Action. 

On Wednesday, Aug. 6, Kansas City police were dispatched to a residence on Morrell Avenue in the Northeast neighborhood in Kansas City and located the victim on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds. Braisen Cain, W/F, 02-13-1983 was pronounced deceased on the scene. 

Based on eyewitness testimony and surveillance footage, the defendant ran over the victim with his Ford F-150, then got out and shot her multiple times at close range while she was on the ground after premeditation. He walked toward the street, turned back, and fired at her again. After reloading his weapon, he returned and shot her again before driving away. 

The defendant’s cell phone also pinged in the area of the crime scene just prior to the homicide. 

Dawkins is being held without bond.

The Jackson County Prosecutor’s office states that charges are only accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until the defendant is either found guilty or pleads guilty.