Teen Charged with Murder Claims Extensive History of Gun Violence

Daimon Benson, a 19-year-old from Kansas City, Missouri, has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the shooting death of a woman on October 21, 2022. The victim was found in her car, a white Toyota Camry, with a gunshot wound to the head after the vehicle crashed into a concrete barrier on a highway in Jackson County. The Kansas City Police Department responded to reports of the shooting, discovering the woman, who later died at the hospital.

The Independent

According to court documents, the incident began when the Toyota Camry allegedly cut off a gray Dodge Charger, in which Benson was a passenger. Following this, Benson reportedly fired multiple shots into the Toyota, leading to the crash. Witnesses described hearing several gunshots before seeing the Toyota swerve and collide with the barrier. One witness recounted seeing the victim bleeding from her face when he approached the vehicle.

The Independent

In a startling revelation, Benson claimed to detectives that he has shot approximately 400 people throughout his life. He detailed that between 2019 and 2020, he and an accomplice robbed an average of three individuals daily, attributing around 150 of his shootings to these robberies. Benson characterized other shootings as "battles" with rivals, stating that there were instances where he or others in his vehicle would shoot at individuals outside the car.

The Independent

Benson is currently being held on a cash-only bond of $100,000. He is scheduled for a bond hearing, although it remains unclear if he has secured legal representation. The Jackson County Prosecutor's office is actively pursuing the case, with the investigation continuing to gather evidence and witness testimonies.

The Independent

The claims made by Benson regarding his extensive history of violence have raised concerns among community leaders and law enforcement officials. Critics argue that such admissions highlight systemic issues related to youth violence and gang activity in urban areas. There is a growing call for more comprehensive strategies to address the root causes of gun violence among teenagers.

The Independent

• “Roughly like, my whole life, like 400 people,” — Daimon Benson, Defendant

The Independent

• “He said that in 2019 and 2020, he and another person robbed an average of three people a day, which resulted in about 150 of the shootings he was involved in, the documents said.” — Court Documents

The Independent

As the legal proceedings unfold, the case will likely draw attention to broader discussions about gun violence and youth crime in Kansas City. The upcoming bond hearing will be a critical moment in determining Benson's future and the trajectory of the case against him.

The Independent