For Immediate Release
Jan. 22, 2020
A 21-year-old Independence is the second defendant charged in the fatal shooting of Robiell Avilla in a Kansas City residence on Sept. 21, 2019, Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker announced today.
Damarco Watkins, 1/12/199, faces Murder 2nd Degree, Robbery 1st Degree, Assault 2nd Degree, three counts of Armed Criminal Action and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.*
According to court records, police responded on Sept. 22, 2019, to the 9800 block of Willow in Kansas City on a reported shots fired call. They initially discovered two victims suffering from gunshot wounds and a third victim, not injured who also was in the victim’s vehicle when the shooting occurred. That victim told police they had gone to the apartment complex to purchase marijuana. When they arrived a man entered the back seat and robbed him at gunpoint. A second suspect also fired shots from outside the vehicle, striking the driver and front passenger. An analysis of the victim’s phone found he had communicated with a suspect. Victims identified that suspect, and a police detective knew one of his associates from pictures posted on social media with the suspect. Witnesses confirmed that person is the defendant.
A second defendant has already been charged in this case. Prosecutors requested a $200,000 bond.
For more information, contact:
Michael Mansur
Director of Communication
Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office
Jean Peters Baker, Prosecutor
Work : (816) 881-3812
Mobile: (816) 674-3954
mmansur@jacksongov.org
http://jacksoncountyprosecutor.com
*Charges are only accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until the defendant is either found guilty or has pleaded.