The Jackson County, Missouri, Prosecutor’s Office has certified a juvenile to stand trial as an adult in the shooting death of 11-year-old Kourtney Freeman inside her home. In April, Kourtney was tragically shot and killed near 33rd Street and Flora Avenue.
Initial reports indicated that the gunshots were fired from outside the home. A month later, a 14-year-old was charged with second-degree murder in connection with the incident. The prosecutor’s office has now confirmed that the accused, identified as Re’Mori Roath, has been certified to stand trial as an adult.
Newly released charging documents provide more details about the events leading up to the shooting. It is reported that Roath was present at the home for a marijuana transaction arranged through social media when the tragic incident occurred. To apprehend the suspect, law enforcement utilized various tools such as traffic cameras, license plate readers, and cell phone tower data throughout the city. Eventually, Roath was identified boarding a school bus and subsequently arrested at school in relation to this incident.
During the investigation, authorities discovered Roath’s DNA on the trigger of a gun hidden under the teen’s mattress. Additionally, 9mm casings found at the crime scene were linked to the same firearm. As a result, Roath is now facing charges of second-degree murder, unlawful use of a weapon, and two counts of armed criminal action in connection with the shooting. Prosecutors have requested a $250,000 cash bond for this case.
Samantha Freeman, Kourtney’s mother, voiced her frustration with the charges during an interview with KMBC 9 News one month after her daughter’s tragic death. She emphasized the need for improvement, stating, “We need to do better. She was a baby. She didn’t even get a chance to fulfill her dreams and become whoever she wanted to be.”
According to the police, they stated that the gunshots originated from outside the residence.
The charging documents that were released on Tuesday provide further details about the events leading up to the shooting.
During the investigation, law enforcement authorities discovered Roath’s DNA on the trigger of a firearm that was concealed under the teenager’s mattress. Additionally, the 9mm casings recovered from the crime scene were determined to be from the same gun.
Roath is now charged with second-degree murder, as well as unlawful use of a weapon and two counts of armed criminal action in relation to this shooting incident.
The prosecution has requested a cash bond of $250,000 in this case.
Freeman expressed the need for improvement during that time.
She was just a baby, without even a chance to pursue her dreams and become the person she aspired to be.
