KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) — Family and friends of a Lee’s Summit West soccer alum who was murdered got here collectively Saturday to recollect him and put together emotionally for the upcoming homicide trial, which we’ve discovered is likely to be additional delayed.
Dwane Simmons went on to play soccer at Washburn College in Topeka. He was six months away from commencement, his father stated, when he was gunned down. That was greater than two years in the past.
“There’s not a day that goes by that you just don’t give it some thought,” stated his father, Navarro Simmons.
The group area at his house advanced was heat and welcoming as he spoke. Crockpots full of meals lined the kitchen space. There have been balloons and birthday cake and pictures of Dwane Simmons. Each certainly one of them, from child to grownup, confirmed a giant, beaming, genuine smile.
“He was outgoing, the lifetime of the social gathering,” stated Navarro Simmons. “That’s the explanation why we’re right here now, simply to share reminiscences.”
Earlier than evening fell, the group moved to the rooftop for a prayer and a balloon launch.
Dwane Simmons would have been 26 on November tenth. He was 23 when he was killed.
“Dwane had the whole world forward of him,” his father stated.
The gathering was an opportunity to uplift one another and put together them for the upcoming trial, in Topeka, of his alleged killer.
“We’re simply hoping for lots of affection from the group, numerous love for the household, numerous prayer for us, as a result of we all know that we’re going to should re-live the whole lot that we went by that evening,” stated Navarro Simmons.
Dwane Simmons was killed in April of 2019 whereas leaving an off-campus social gathering. A number of others had been injured by gunfire. Months later, 18-year-old Francisco Mendez was charged with first-degree homicide, tried homicide, and a number of counts of aggravated theft.
The prayer Saturday was to organize the Simmons household for the painful course of on the horizon. It has been delayed quite a few instances. Navarro Simmons stated previous delays simply gave them extra time to bolster themselves. They weren’t fairly prepared emotionally. However now they’re.
“We simply need justice,” stated Navarro Simmons. “That may assist us transfer ahead within the subsequent part of our lives and switch that web page.”
The final data they bought indicated the trial was set for the top of this month. On-line court docket information, nonetheless, present that on November 2nd, it was postponed to March of subsequent yr. The household stated they haven’t been notified of the change and hope that’s not the case. We’ve not been in a position to attain the court docket on a Saturday to substantiate the change.
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