For Immediate Release
October 23, 2026
Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson today announced charges against a Kansas City man in connection with a homicide that occurred inside an Independence, MO hospital this week.
James F. Lawson faces 2nd Degree Murder, Armed Criminal Action, and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm. *
According to court records, Independence police responded to a hospital on Oct. 22 and found the victim deceased with a gunshot wound to her chest. The victim had been at the hospital visiting the defendant, who had been admitted to the hospital.
Surveillance footage from the hospital showed the defendant in his wheelchair facing the victim, who appeared to be struggling to breathe and began to bend forward. The defendant was frantically messing with his pants and hip area, and a dark object was seen in his right hand.
When officers located and arrested the defendant, he had a holster on his hip, and ammunition in his wheelchair.
A Jackson County judge set the defendant’s bond to $250,000 cash only.
*Charges are only accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until the defendant is either found guilty or pleads guilty.
