KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A Center School District security officer faces second-degree murder charges following a Memorial Day Weekend shooting that resulted in a vehicle crash with a motorcycle.
Marquis D. Ponder, 30, was charged in Jackson County Circuit Court on Saturday, reports KCTV. According to court records, Ponder allegedly shot Levon J. Quinn, 30, leading to a subsequent collision involving a motorcycle.
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At approximately 4 p.m. on Friday, law enforcement responded to reports of a vehicle-motorcycle collision. First responders found the SUV driver, later identified as Quinn, suffering from a gunshot wound. He was unresponsive at the scene and transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Collision Followed Nearby Shooting Involving Security Officer and Victim
Witnesses reported that a shooting occurred in front of a nearby business. Investigators stated that the incident began with an argument between Ponder and Quinn inside the business, which escalated outside just north of the front entrance. Video surveillance footage obtained from the area showed the victim turning away from the altercation and heading toward his vehicle. With the victim’s back turned, the suspect reportedly drew a firearm and shot Quinn.
After the shooting, both men entered their vehicles and left the scene. Minutes later, Quinn’s vehicle collided with a motorcycle, propelling one of the riders across the intersection.
Investigators located a single shell casing and a trail of blood in the business’s parking lot. Surveillance video showed the Ponder in a blue polo shirt embroidered with “Center School District Officer Ponder,” which, along with a license plate number, assisted in identifying the suspect.
At approximately 6:10 p.m., Kansas City Police initiated a traffic stop and arrested Ponder without incident.
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During police interviews, Ponder allegedly stated that the victim “said and did some things he should not have said or done.” He declined further specifics, stating, “I don’t want to say anything wrong. I don’t want to say anything right. It is what it is.” He reportedly did not deny his involvement.
Ponder faces charges of second-degree murder, unlawful use of a weapon, and two counts of armed criminal action. If convicted, he could receive a life sentence.
The Center School District has not released a comment regarding the charges against its school security officer as the investigation remains ongoing.
