Tips may be key to solving Kansas City reporter’s homicide

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Investigators hope a new push for information will lead them to the person responsible for shooting and killing a newspaper reporter.

The Platte County Sheriff’s Office said investigators found 50-year-old Dennis Andrew Sharkey, Jr., Jan. 10. His body was found inside his car near NW 70th Street and NW Prairie View Road.

Investigators now ask anyone who saw anything unusual involving his car as it traveled Southbound on Interstate 29 between 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. to call the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477).

Sharkey was driving a white 2019 Chevrolet Spark. It was traveling Southbound on Interstate 29 Friday, Jan. 10 between 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.

ALSO READ: Independence man charged in weekend shooting that injured teenager

The car resembles the one in the following picture, according to investigators.

Platte County Sheriff’s Officer Captain Jeffrey Shanks said Sharkey and someone in another vehicle stopped on the interstate for some reason. The suspect then got out of the vehicle and fired a single shot into Sharkey’s vehicle as he tried to get away.

ALSO READ: 3 Narcan dispensers installed across Raytown ‘in response to the ongoing epidemic’

t. Shanks said they do not have any suspect or the suspect vehicle information at this time and asked for the public’s assistance to track them down.

Investigators said a nearby business provided authorities with camera footage that showed two vehicles and three individuals stopping to help Sharkey.

The Sheriff’s Office said they are trying to get what they can from cameras, but need tips from witnesses.

ALSO READ: Raytown police identify 75-year-old victim of deadly weekend shooting

Copyright 2025 KCTV. All rights reserved.