Outside The Gathering Baptist Church in Independence, 169 crosses adorned the lawn, paying tribute to 168 victims of homicide in the Kansas City area in 2024.
Jonathon Rodgers was murdered on Oct. 17, 2024, at the age of 35. His family is continuing to search for answers through an active investigation.
“This has to stop,” Kevin Rodgers told KSHB 41. “He was a father, a son, a brother, and an uncle.”
Dale Messing/KSHB“I want justice for him and everyone else that’s here, even the unmarked ones,” Rodgers said.
Inside the temple, parishioners gathered for a service dedicated to impacted families in attendance.
Dale Messing/KSHB“It was our prayers last year, we didn’t have to meet this way again,” the Pastor told the congregation.
KC Mother’s in Charge works alongside The Gathering Baptist Church in its third year hosting the event. Rosilyn Temple founded the organization a decade ago after her son’s murder. She says embracing grieving families can help move others forward.