Lawsuit alleges KCPD officer used excessive force after two people were killed in triple shooting

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – A new lawsuit has been filed against a Kansas City police officer with a history of violent use of excessive force after three people were shot, two of whom were killed.

On Friday, June 28, court records indicated that a new complaint was filed against Kansas City, Missouri Police Department Officer Blayne Newton following a 2023 triple shooting.

At approximately 8:55 p.m. on June 9, 2023, court documents indicated that KCPD called for assistance in the area of ​​31st and Van Brunt Boulevard. As the report noted, shots were fired in the area.

Responding officers reported seeing a police officer and five other individuals near a white van, three of whom appeared to be suffering from gunshot wounds. Two people were arrested following these incidents.

Following the shooting, court records indicated the driver, Kristen Fairchild, 42, and an adult passenger, Marcell T. Nelson, 42, both died. A teenager sitting in the back seat was hit in the head but survived.

The Kansas City Law Enforcement Accountability Project announced that it is satisfied with the steps taken to obtain compensation on behalf of Officer Newton's victims.

“We stand with the families of Marcell Nelson, Jaden Thorns, Kristen Fairchild and others whose lives were destroyed by this officer without accountability from the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department,” they said. victims’ rights advocates. “This is not the first time Officer Newton has killed someone, nor his first incident of excessive force. »

While KCLEAP said the lawsuits won't solve the department's violence problem overnight, they highlight a persistent lack of transparency and willingness to hold officers accountable. Prosecutors have also been urged to refer every incident to a grand jury.

“KCLEAP will continue to advocate for families and support their work for justice, whatever that means to them,” the organization continued. “Our hearts are with them and our lives are forever connected. To further interrupt this cycle of violence, we will continue to shine a light on local police violence, standing with all victims, no matter what title they need.

Newton has a history of use of force in another lawsuit filed earlier in 2024. That lawsuit alleges he used excessive force against Bermeeka Mitchell as he twisted and shook her arms and wrists as she complied with an arrest. At the time, he was working as an “off-duty officer” at Walmart.

The Kansas City Police Department told KCTV5 News Friday evening that Officer Blayne remains on duty with the patrol bureau. The department does not comment on pending litigation to ensure fairness.

No additional information has been disclosed.

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