By Michael Bushnell
Northeast News
March 20, 2012

UDPATE: The victim has been identified as 18-year-old Rio Barnes Jauregui-Ellis of Kansas City.

Police were called Monday afternoon at approximately 4 p.m. to the south end of Budd Park near Denver Avenue on the call of shots fired. Upon arrival, officers discovered the body of a deceased white male in his 20s in the park.

Witnesses who live near the scene reported the sound of numerous shots, coming from different caliber of firearms. Some were, as described by the witness, large caliber weapons like a shotgun. After the shots were fired, one witness observed two black males fleeing the scene in a dark colored SUV, possibly driven by a white female. Officers believe there may be an additional victim but are unsure of injuries at this time.

One woman who lives close to the park noted the area on the south side of the park has seen an uptick of gunshot activity, some as recent as yesterday.

“There was a whole flurry of shots fired off yesterday in the alley behind my house,” the woman said. “It’s gotten so I hate to walk in the park anymore.”

Police remained on the scene investigating well into the evening. We’ll continue to keep you updated as this story develops.