Kansas City Family Grieves After Tragic Death of Young Father
It’s a heartbreaking time for a family in Kansas City as they mourn the loss of 35-year-old Jonathan Rodgers. Just a week ago, he was found by police with serious injuries, and despite being rushed to the hospital, he sadly passed away. His death is now being investigated as a homicide, leaving his family searching for answers.
A Mother’s Painful Wait
Jonathan’s mother, Zelpha Rodgers, is struggling with the shocking news. In an emotional recount of the day, she mentioned that she saw her son earlier that evening. “I got here about 5:15,” she shared. “He came around the van and tossed his backpack in through the window. He said he would be right back; he had to go to the ATM real quick.” Unfortunately, he never returned, and what was supposed to be a joyful dinner turned into a nightmare.
Heartbreaking Phone Call
As hours passed with no word from Jonathan, Zelpha grew increasingly worried. “My grandchildren were hungry, so I told his wife to have him call me when he was ready,” she recalled. Then, late that night, her phone rang. It was Jonathan’s wife, crying and frantic. “She said there was an altercation, that Jonathan was hurt bad, and they were taking him away by ambulance,” Zelpha shared. The frantic search for answers began, but it wasn’t until Friday afternoon that Zelpha received the devastating confirmation that her son had died.
A Heartbroken Farewell
Zelpha described the painful moment she was finally able to see her son’s body on Monday. “I took and rubbed his head and his cheek,” she recounted through tears. “Telling him I was sorry for leaving, not being there for him. Not protecting him.” Every mother knows the feeling of wanting to protect their children, and for Zelpha, the guilt was overwhelming. “I left 20-something minutes too soon,” she lamented.
Frustration with the Investigation
As the days passed, Zelpha grew frustrated with how the police handled the investigation. She expressed her concerns about not receiving any updates from the Kansas City Police Department (KCPD). “They won’t tell me nothing,” she said. “They haven’t even talked to his wife.” Despite her attempts to get information, Zelpha felt ignored, with her calls and texts going unanswered. “I want to know what happened to my son,” she declared, her voice breaking.
A Community in Fear
Zelpha took her quest for answers to the streets, visiting the area where the altercation reportedly took place at 6th and Monroe. However, she found that many people were too scared to talk. “A lot of people who are homeless are scared to talk because of warrants for their arrest,” she explained. She is now pleading for anyone with information to come forward. “He wasn’t just some stranger who had nobody. He has a family,” she emphasized. “His two daughters will not have their daddy to walk them down the aisle.”
Children’s Innocence
The pain of losing Jonathan weighs heavily on his children. Zelpha recalled how her grandchildren were excited for a planned outing to a pumpkin patch. “On the way to the pumpkin patch, they kept saying dad was supposed to be here,” she said. Her heart broke when her 4-year-old asked if she could “call heaven,” hoping to bring their dad back.
Call for Community Support
The KCPD has stated that they are committed to investigating this tragic case thoroughly and have emphasized the importance of witnesses coming forward. “We never want anyone who is the victim of a crime, or has lost a loved one as a result of violence in our city, to feel as if their case is not important or being thoroughly investigated,” they expressed.
They encourage anyone with information to use the **TIPS hotline**, ensuring callers can remain anonymous. It’s a reminder that community involvement is vital in seeking justice for victims.
As the investigation continues, the family of Jonathan Rodgers hopes for answers, healing, and justice for the loving father who has been tragically taken from them.
