For Immediate Release
Nov. 18, 2016

A Grandview, Mo., man faces murder and robbery charges in connection with the Oct. 3, 2016, fatal shooting of Keith Johnson in the 9300 block of Bales in Kansas City, Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker announced today.

Cory J. Highsmith, dob: 7/3/1994, faces Murder in the 2nd Degree, Attempted Robbery in the 1st Degree and two counts of Armed Criminal Action.*

According to court records filed today, were dispatched to the 3700 block of East 93d Street regarding gunshots. They found the shooting victim in the 9300 block of Bales Drive, near some dumpsters. Officers chased a suspect, later identified as Highsmith, running from near the scene. He was carrying a black hooded sweatshirt with two guns wrapped inside. Cell phone records showed the defendant and the victim approached a vehicle parked in a parking kit near 9300 Bales Drive. Witnesses inside the vehicle told police that the victim came toward the car with a gun and asked for their belongings. One man ran from the vehicle with a backpack and the victim followed him. One witness stated the man fleeing the car shot at the victim. Highsmith, according to witnesses, took a gun from the victim. The only firearms recovered from the scene were the two wrapped in Highsmith's sweatshirt. Witnesses told police that Highsmith appeared to console the victim before he ran from the scene.

Prosecutors have requested a bond of $100,000 cash.