Triple Homicide in North Kansas City: Man Charged with Murder of Three Women
A tragic triple homicide has shaken North Kansas City, leaving a grandmother, her daughter, and her granddaughter dead in what prosecutors are calling one of the worst crimes they have encountered. The suspect, identified as 50-year-old Armando Navarro Jr., has been charged with three counts of first-degree murder. Authorities confirmed that all individuals involved, including the suspect, lived in the same home.
The Victims and the Scene
The victims of the shooting have been identified as 73-year-old Sherry Duncan, her 49-year-old daughter Jody Hopkins, and her 24-year-old granddaughter Haley Hopkins. The only surviving member of the family, another daughter, managed to escape the house and seek help from a neighbor. According to authorities, she narrowly avoided death, as a bullet grazed her hair while she fled.
The tragedy unfolded in a residence located in the Northland area. Sherry Duncan was known to be an active member of the Kansas City community and was a part of the Red Hat Society, a philanthropic organization. Neighbors recounted interactions with her, describing her as friendly and community-oriented. They mentioned that the family had moved into the home approximately six months prior to the incident.
The Investigation and Arrest
Authorities launched an immediate search for the suspect following the violent attack. Navarro was apprehended on Sunday afternoon in Abilene, Kansas, through a joint effort between the Kansas City Police Department and Kansas State Troopers. He is currently being held in Dickinson County, awaiting extradition to Missouri, where he will face prosecution.
According to reports, the incident stemmed from a domestic dispute between Jody Hopkins and Navarro. The surviving daughter told investigators that an argument between the two escalated into gunfire, resulting in the deaths of three family members.
Prosecution and Charges
Platte County Prosecutor Eric Zahnd described the crime as horrific and expressed deep sympathy for the surviving victim and the affected family. He emphasized that this was one of the worst cases he had prosecuted in his 22-year career. In addition to three counts of first-degree murder, Navarro is facing multiple other charges, including first-degree assault, four counts of armed criminal action, and animal abuse. Authorities allege that he also shot the family’s dog during the attack.
Due to the severity of the crime, Navarro faces a minimum sentence of life imprisonment without parole. Prosecutors are also considering seeking the death penalty in this case.
Community Reaction and Ongoing Investigation
The news of the triple homicide has deeply affected the North Kansas City community. Neighbors who knew the family expressed their shock and grief. One neighbor recalled having frequent conversations with Sherry Duncan over the fence about their families and daily lives.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to uncover more details about the victims and the circumstances leading up to the tragedy. As more information becomes available, law enforcement officials and the community remain focused on seeking justice for the victims and supporting the grieving family members. Additional updates are expected in the coming days as legal proceedings move forward.
