Kansas City Man Accused of Initiating Super Bowl Rally Shooting to Remain in Jail, Rules Judge
A 23-year-old man accused of initiating a shooting at a Super Bowl parade rally will continue to remain in jail following a decision by a local judge. Lyndell Mays, was reportedly the first to shoot at the festive event on February 14, leading to the death of one person and injury of 24 others.
Details of the Case
Mays faced the court in an orange jumpsuit, while chained at his hands and feet. His attorney, John Reed, mentioned that Mays had been “gravely wounded” at the rally, having been shot nine times, including once in the face. He also stated that Mays, who is in constant pain, has been heavily sedated ever since the incident. Reed argued that his client is indigent and unable to afford any bond, thus the continuation of his jail term is equivalent to a “de facto order of detention”.
Also charged with four felony counts, including second-degree murder in the fatal shooting of 43-year-old woman, Lisa Lopez-Galvan, is Mays’s accomplice Dominic Miller, 18, who is currently still in the hospital. Two minors have also been charged in relation to the shooting, however, data about their charges remains undisclosed due to their age.
Decisions Going Forward
Despite the plea from Mays’ lawyer that he could be cared for by his parents or an uncle to aid his recovery process pending the case hearing, Judge Travis Willingham declined the request without comment. Mays’ next hearing is set for mid-April.
Debate Over Mays’ Release
Assistant Jackson County Prosecuting Attorney, Hallie Schuman, resisted Mays’ release, declaring that he was among those leading the gunfire. She indicated he has two earlier firearms violations in other jurisdictions, implying that releasing him would pose a “serious danger to this community and the people of Jackson County”.
A witness who was with Mays on the day of the incident told police that the problem started when Mays and another group commenced a heated argument about why they were glaring at each other. According to police documents, Mays himself admitted that what he did was “stupid”. “I just pulled a gun out and started shooting,” Mays confessed. “I shouldn’t have done that. Just being stupid.”
Community Impact
This tragic event has shocked the Kansas City community and garnered significant attention to the city’s high homicide rate. It has served as a wake-up call for change and has highlighted the urgent need for the city to come together in order to improve public safety and prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
