By LESLIE COLLINS 
Northeast News
January 9, 2014

A suspect has now been charged in the Jan. 7 homicide that occurred near the Northeast Price Chopper, 5800 Wilson Rd., Kansas City, Mo.

Historic Northeast resident Marcus T. Kennedy, 44, has been charged with armed criminal action and murder in the second degree, both felonies, for the shooting death of 21-year-old Donald Donato.

According to court documents, a witness told police that she and Donato were inside the Phillips 66 gas station located at Independence Avenue and Topping when she observed Kennedy staring at her, which made her feel uncomfortable, she said. When she exited the building, Kennedy approached her and asked her if she wanted marijuana. Declining the offer, she walked away and told Donato about the incident. According to court documents, Donato told her he wanted to see what Kennedy had and approached Kennedy who handed him a plastic baggie of marijuana. Donato kept the marijuana and ran away, heading north on Topping. Kennedy then pulled out a gun and shot Donato twice in the back.

The female witness then notified a Titan Security guard employed at Price Chopper. The security guard then radioed another Titan security guard who was working in the area as a safety ambassador for the Independence Avenue Community Improvement District (CID). The CID safety ambassador responded and apprehended Kennedy about a block away from the scene. Titan Security kept Kennedy detained until police arrived.

Donato was transported to an area hospital, where he later died of his injuries.

During an interview with detectives, Kennedy admitted to shooting Donato after he took his marijuana.