THREE WOMEN FOUND FATALLY SHOT IN PLATTE COUNTY
A suspect is now in custody in connection with a triple homicide that occurred in Kansas City in Platte County early Sunday.
Authorities told The Landmark about 1 p.m. on Sunday that a male suspect has been taken into custody in Abilene, Kan.
Three female shooting victims were found inside a house in the 4100 block of NW 65th Street. Kansas City Police Department officers had responded to the home on a shooting call at about 12:45 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 2.
Police found the three women unresponsive, and they were pronounced dead at the scene.
Names of the three victims were released by the KCPD around 5 p.m. on Sunday. The victims: Jodie Hopcus, age 49; Sherri Duncan, age 73; and Hailey Hopcus, age 24.
Investigators have not released details about what led to the shooting. Officers remained at the home for several hours on Sunday, processing the scene and gathering evidence.
At about 12 noon on Sunday, KCPD announced that through their investigation, detectives identified a subject of interest. “That subject of interest is believed to be someone known to the victims,” said Cpt. Jake Becchina of the KCPD.
About an hour later, law enforcement sources told The Landmark that a male suspect in the shooting had been taken into custody in Abilene, Kan.
Shortly after 5 p.m. on Sunday, Cpt. Bechhina confirmed The Landmark’s report that a person is in custody. “Detectives will be working with prosecutors to present investigative findings for determination of applicable charges,” Becchina said.
Reached by The Landmark Sunday afternoon, Platte County Prosecutor Eric Zahnd originally indicated he would be sending out a press release about the case later that day. Later, he announced instead he will hold a news conference on Monday.
The crime scene in the 4100 block of NW 65th Street is not far from the intersection of N. Green Hills Road and NW 65th St, about a quarter of a mile off of Hwy. 45 (64th Street).
