Prosecutor Drops Murder Charge Against Shooter at Chiefs Rally, Citing Self-Defense Laws

Dominic Miller pleaded guilty to a weapons charge and was sentenced to two years in prison.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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A man who initially faced a murder charge for opening fire following the Kansas City Chiefs' 2024 Super Bowl win was sentenced Monday to two years in prison in a case prosecutors said was complicated by the state's self-defense laws. Dominic Miller pleaded guilty to a weapons charge as part of a plea deal, with prosecutors citing challenges in proving he was not acting in self-defense.

Why it matters

The case highlights the complexities of prosecuting shootings in states with expansive self-defense laws, even in crowded public settings like the Chiefs' Super Bowl celebration that turned deadly. It raises questions about balancing public safety with individuals' rights to use force to protect themselves.

The details

Miller was among at least six people who started shooting in the melee that sent players, city officials and hundreds of fans scrambling for cover. The gunfire erupted outside Kansas City's historic Union Station as the celebration that drew an estimated 1 million fans was concluding. Lisa Lopez-Galvan, a local radio host, was killed while watching the rally with her family, and about two dozen other people, many of them children, were wounded but survived. Prosecutors said there wasn't enough evidence to confirm Miller's shot caused Galvan's death.

  • The shooting occurred following the Kansas City Chiefs' 2024 Super Bowl win.
  • Miller was sentenced on Monday, March 10, 2026.

The players

Dominic Miller

A man who pleaded guilty to a weapons charge as part of a plea deal after initially facing a murder charge for opening fire at the Chiefs' Super Bowl celebration.

Lisa Lopez-Galvan

The host of a local radio show who was killed while watching the rally with her family.

Lyndell Mays

Accused of being the first person to start firing during the shooting incident.

The 15-year-old

A teenager who was sentenced previously to a state facility for youths for his involvement in the shooting.

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What they’re saying

“The greatest justice would be having Lisa back, but since that is not possible, accountability still matters. We also share the hope expressed in court that change can come from this and that people recognize the importance of making better choices.”

— Lisa Lopez-Galvan's family (Prosecutor's office)

What’s next

Lyndell Mays is scheduled to stand trial next year on charges that include second-degree murder.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges prosecutors face in charging shootings in states with expansive self-defense laws, even in crowded public settings. It raises questions about balancing public safety with individuals' rights to use force to protect themselves.