Kansas City, Missouri – Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker has decided not to press charges in the shooting death of John Bartrom, the founder of Jericho Home Improvements. The decision was made on the grounds of self-defense after evidence showed that Bartrom had a struggle with the shooter and attempted to pull the shooter from his vehicle.
Bartrom, a well-known figure in the community, tragically lost his life in a shooting at 63rd and Prospect Avenue. Despite initial reports of a medical emergency, Bartrom succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. Although a person of interest was briefly detained, they were later released.
The family of John Bartrom expressed their disappointment in the handling of the case, citing a lack of communication and transparency from the authorities. They emphasized the need for clarity and closure, calling for access to video footage and tangible evidence to understand the events leading to Bartrom’s untimely death.
In response to the family’s concerns, Missouri’s self-defense law was highlighted, outlining the circumstances under which individuals can use force, including deadly force, in self-defense or defense of others. The statute stipulates the conditions under which force can be justifiably used to protect oneself or others from imminent harm or unlawful intrusion.
As the investigation unfolds, questions linger about the events that transpired at the gas station on that fateful night. The family’s quest for answers continues as they seek to understand why their beloved John Bartrom met such a tragic end. With the case closed and no charges filed, the family’s plea for justice and accountability remains unanswered.
While the legal process has reached its conclusion, the memory of John Bartrom lives on in the hearts of those who knew him. His legacy as a dedicated worker, a loving father, and a cherished family member endures, reminding all who knew him of the void left by his absence. In the midst of grief and uncertainty, the community mourns the loss of a remarkable individual whose legacy will never be forgotten.