Platte County Prosecutor Eric Zahnd has charged a Gladstone man with second degree murder and armed criminal action. Jody K. Malone, 19, was charged on July 30 with the death of Laurie J. Andrus, 41, of Kansas City.
Prosecutors allege Malone killed Andrus on July 28, 2003 by striking her and cutting her with a knife. The alleged murder occurred at Andrus’ apartment in the Bicycle Club Apartments in southern Platte County at 4100 N.W. 79th Terrace.
According to court documents, Andrus’ death was discovered on July 29 after her father contacted police because he had not seen or heard from her since July 27. Kansas City police officers went to Andrus’ apartment and found the body of a white female lying in a pool of blood. The body was later identified to be Andrus.
Court documents state that Andrus was naked except for a white flowery strap around her torso. A serrated steak knife with a missing handle was near the body. Andrus had been hit several times and her throat had been cut.
Witnesses indicated that Andrus had a party at her apartment on July 27. According to court documents, Malone attended the party with a friend. Malone’s friend later left the party without Malone. At about 3 a.m. on July 28, Malone allegedly called the friend and asked to be picked up at the entrance of the Bicycle Club Apartment complex. When his friend picked him up, Malone was not wearing his shirt.
Zahnd complimented the Kansas City Police Department’s murder squad for their investigation. “Sergeant Doug Niemeier and his detectives conducted a thorough and rapid investigation of this very serious crime,” he said. “Without their excellent and speedy work, this murder might never have been charged.”
If convicted of the murder charge, Malone faces 10 years to life in prison. If he is convicted of armed criminal action, the minimum prison sentence is 3 years.
Malone is being held in the Platte County Jail in lieu of a $500,000 cash bond. A preliminary hearing in the case is set for Sept. 16.
The charges against Malone are merely accusations, and Malone is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.