James Rashod

Northeast News
March 2, 2011

DNA evidence has linked Rashod L. James, 20, of Kansas City to the murder of Fannie Young.

James has been charged with first degree murder, two counts of armed criminal action and first degree robbery. His bond is set at $250,000.

On November 1, 2010, Kansas City Missouri Police Department officers were dispatched to 1270 Michigan regarding a dead body.

Upon arrival, officers found Young, who was already deceased. A medical examiner ruled the cause of death to be blunt force injuries to the head and multiple stab wounds. Bleach had been poured on various items on the floor and throughout the scene. However, officers were able to collect DNA samples from a roll of tape.

In addition, Young’s Dell computer, ATM card and white Cadillac were missing from her residence.

Detectives were then advised the Cadillac was in the city tow lot and that on Oct. 24, 2010, officers initiated a car chase with a white Cadillac involved in a hit and run accident.

During the chase, the driver ran from the vehicle and was identified as James. When police recovered the vehicle they found Young’s ATM card inside the center console.

Detectives contacted a family member of James’ who told them James sold him a Dell home computer around the time of the homicide. When the computer was recovered, bleach was found on the keyboard.

The Kansas City Regional Crime Lab completed testing on a swab from a roll of tape found at Young’s residence and a DNA hit linked Rashod.