Black Missouri man, 20, killed in shoe sale gone awry

Police are still searching for a suspect in the shooting.

The Grandview, Mo., Police were called to a home in the Kansas City metropolitan area at 9 p.m. Sunday when they found the body of Jaylen Blackmon, 20.

Shawn Grant

Dec 25, 2019

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A 20-year-old Missouri man was killed in a deal for a pair of shoes that went bad. The Grandview Police Department were called to a home in the Kansas City metropolitan area at 9 p.m. Sunday and discovered Jaylen Blackmon on the sidewalk dead of a gunshot wound, according to The Daily Mail.

Blackmon and his girlfriend had gone to the home to purchase shoes from a teenage boy, the report says. They met outside the house, but upon realizing the shoes were likely fake, Blackmon requested a refund. He was killed while trying to get his money back, the report says. Police are still searching for a suspect in the shooting.

“There are no words to adequately express the heartache we are walking through at this time,” the family said in a statement. “Jaylen was the most tender-hearted, caring, fun-loving and joyful people you could ever meet. He was a friend to everyone and a best friend to all his siblings.”

My cousin was shot and killed yesterday and my family needs help covering expenses. Anything helps, please keep them in your prayers. https://t.co/qlAnoeznea

— ella tarabocchia (@ella0elaine) December 24, 2019

His family said Blackmon loved cars, basketball, and music. The statement also notes that he loved his family, and going to church, among other things.

Blackmon was also a practical joker.

“He was a complete goofball and would light up a room. This senseless murder is a huge and devastating lose [sic] to our family and so many more. The only comfort we have is knowing that he is with Jesus.”

The family told KSHB the murder was “senseless” and have started a GoFundMe page to help with funeral expenses. So far the campaign has raised just under $6,000 of the $8,000 goal.

“Jay’s family and those whom loved him need our prayers and financial support during this terribly hard time,” the campaign reads. “They are unexpectedly having to plan and pay for a funeral. All finances raised will go directly to the Blackmon family for this very purpose.”