Security Guard Convicted of Murder in 2018 Shooting Outside Kansas City Bar

Christopher L. Jones, 37, was charged in July 2018 with second-degree murder, armed criminal action and tampering with physical evidence after he allegedly shot a man who was sitting in a car across the street from Yum Yum Bar & Grill where Jones worked security.

Pinkins’ case is still pending.

The company’s license to operate in Kansas City was revoked in September 2018 after two of its employees failed their firearm qualification test.

Jones was convicted of second-degree murder, armed criminal action and misdemeanor evidence tampering.

“We were disappointed in the verdict because we thought that Chris acted in self defense. The jury did not agree with that,” said John Picerno, Jones’ defense attorney.

The Jackson County Prosecutor’s office issued a news release Friday afternoon announcing the verdict.

According to charging documents, the men were working security at the bar at 24th and Van Brunt Streets in June 2018.

The men allegedly ran across the street after hearing a “boom” and seeing a car hit a parked vehicle.

The guards repeatedly asked 45-year-old Kevin Thomas to get out of the car and turn off the vehicle, prosecutors alleged.

When Thomas moved his car “not even a foot” Jones and Pinkins both fired at him, according to court records.

Police found Thomas lying handcuffed in the street next to his car. He was transported to the hospital and died from his injuries.

Both men said in court records that they fired their weapons in self defense but said that they were not authorized to handle situations off the bar’s premises.

Jones was not licensed to carry a firearm in Missouri, according to court records.

The entire incident happened in about 85 seconds, Picerno said.

“It’s a tragedy all the way around,” he said.

The jury suggested Friday that Jones serve a 13 year sentence for the murder charge, six years for armed criminal action and one year for evidence tampering according to Picerno.

His sentencing has not yet been scheduled.
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