Man charged in 2023 shooting of 17-year-old in Kansas City

More than three years after a barrage of gunfire on a Kansas City street left a 17-year-old mortally wounded, local prosecutors have filed criminal charges against a man they say was involved in the attack.

The May 7, 2023 Shooting on 12th Street

The case dates back to the evening of May 7, 2023. Kansas City Police Department officers rushed to the vicinity of 12th Street and Denver Avenue following reports of gunfire, according to court documents cited by KMBC. First responders discovered a teenager suffering from severe gunshot wounds. The victim, identified as 17-year-old Kavon Carter, was rushed to a hospital and placed on life support. He succumbed to his injuries a week later.

Surveillance Footage Links Swain to the Shooting

Investigators reviewing surveillance footage from that night pieced together a brief, violent sequence of events. A vehicle carrying three occupants made a sudden U-turn onto 12th Street. Passengers inside the car then opened fire toward victims before speeding away. Additional footage from a nearby gas station captured Swain stepping out of that exact vehicle just moments before the shooting occurred.

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For months, the case remained a puzzle of digital footprints and fragmented leads. Phone number searches, DNA evidence, and witness accounts ultimately helped investigators tether Swain to the homicide.

Swain Denies Involvement During Weapons Offense Arrest

The breakthrough came after an unrelated arrest. Police picked up Swain on October 19, 2026, on an unrelated weapons offense. When questioned by detectives a few days later, Swain denied any involvement in the 2023 shooting. Officers showed him still images captured at the gas station that night. Swain claimed he did not recognize the individuals in the photographs and offered no information to assist the investigation.

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Probation Officer Identification

That denial fell apart when his supervision team stepped in. On October 22, Swain’s probation officer reviewed the gas station surveillance photos and immediately identified Swain as the man in the images, according to court records.

Probation Violations Preceded the October Arrest

At the time of his October arrest, Swain was already on supervised probation stemming from prior convictions for first-degree burglary and unlawful use of a weapon. Court documents show he had drifted away from court supervision months prior, failing to report to his supervising officer on June 12, 2026. When he missed a subsequent meeting on July 24, a probation violation warrant was issued. His mother had previously reported him missing on June 28, and he remained unseen by authorities until his October 19 apprehension.

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Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson announced the charges against Swain. Court documents note that the two other individuals riding in the vehicle with Swain during the 2023 shooting were juveniles at the time.