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Kansas City Homeowner Charged for Firing Gun at Teens

Scene from the Kansas City neighborhood where the shooting incident occurred.

News Summary

A Kansas City homeowner, 66-year-old Theresa L. Viscardis, faces charges after allegedly firing a gun at three teenagers near Ward Parkway Center. On March 28, 2025, the incident escalated when Viscardis reportedly shot toward the juveniles after asking them to leave the area. Witness accounts corroborate the teens’ claims, leading to her arrest. Viscardis has been charged with unlawful discharge of a firearm and is scheduled to appear in court again on April 17, 2025.

Kansas City Homeowner Charged After Firing Gun at Juveniles

A surprising and concerning incident took place in Kansas City when a local woman found herself in hot water after allegedly firing a gun at three teenagers. The situation escalated on the evening of March 28, 2025, near the Ward Parkway Center.

The Incident Unfolds

According to court records from the Jackson County, Missouri Circuit Court, the charges were officially filed just a day later, on March 29. It was around 10:30 p.m. when police began receiving multiple reports of a shooting at the intersection of 87th and Ward Parkway.

As the story goes, the three juveniles were simply sitting by the street near 86th Terrace when they encountered Theresa L. Viscardis, a 66-year-old homeowner. Viscardis, reportedly unhappy with their presence, yelled at them to leave. Moments later, the teenagers heard a series of 3-4 gunshots ringing out. Alarmed and frightened, they quickly fled towards the safety of the nearby mall.

A Fast Response

At the mall, a security guard became aware of the ruckus and noted hearing what sounded like firecrackers. Upon encountering the distraught juveniles, he learned they had been fired upon, adding another layer of urgency to the situation.

A neighbor nearby corroborated the story, confirming that they witnessed Viscardis firing the gun. This eye-witness account added credibility to the juveniles’ alarming report.

Law Enforcement Intervenes

With the situation escalating, law enforcement officers soon apprehended Viscardis at her home. During questioning, she acknowledged her actions, stating that she fired two warning shots into the air. Her reasoning? She believed the teens might have been involved in some recent property crimes and claimed they had been drinking in front of her house.

However, the juveniles had a different perspective on the matter. They maintained that Viscardis aimed the gun directly at them and described seeing a flash from the firearm, a serious detail that could further complicate the case.

The Legal Aftermath

Viscardis now faces charges for the unlawful discharge of a firearm. If found guilty, she could face the possibility of up to a year in jail and a hefty fine of $20,000. Despite the gravity of the charges, she was released on her own recognizance just two days after her arrest.

Her next court hearing is set for April 17, 2025, where more details about this unsettling incident are expected to emerge. As of now, no further information has been released regarding the ongoing case.

The Bigger Picture

This alarming event raises concerns about safety and interactions between residents and youth in neighborhoods. As communities strive to maintain a peaceful atmosphere, such incidents serve as a stark reminder of the importance of open communication and understanding.

Stay tuned for more updates as this case unfolds, and let’s hope for a resolution that promotes safety and harmony within the vibrant community of Kansas City.