2 sentenced in Kansas City fatal shooting; third awaits trial

Antoine Craddock and Malek Daniels received prison time for their roles in the August 2024 incident that left one dead and another seriously injured.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 10:07pm

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An extreme close-up of a spent bullet casing on a dark surface, capturing the gritty, investigative aesthetic of the crime scene through dramatic lighting and stark contrast.The sentencing of two defendants in a deadly Kansas City shooting underscores the ongoing challenge of gun violence in the region.Kansas City Today

Two men, Antoine Craddock and Malek Daniels, have been sentenced to prison for their roles in a deadly shooting in Kansas City, Missouri in August 2024. Craddock received 18 years for second-degree murder, armed criminal action, and first-degree assault, while Daniels received 12 years for voluntary manslaughter, armed criminal action, and second-degree assault. A third defendant, Robert Spears, will be tried later this year on charges of accessory to murder and armed criminal action.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence and fatal shootings in the Kansas City area, as well as the challenges prosecutors face in securing convictions and appropriate sentences for those involved in such incidents.

The details

The shooting occurred on August 17, 2024 and began in an apartment complex parking lot before moving into the street. A vehicle riddled with gunfire was found by detectives, with the passenger dead and the driver critically injured. Court records state the shooting happened during a planned robbery connected to an alleged marijuana deal, with one of the defendants speaking with the victims outside the vehicle while others moved into position. Craddock allegedly opened fire first, and Daniels fired additional shots.

  • The shooting occurred on August 17, 2024.
  • Craddock and Daniels both pleaded guilty and were sentenced in 2026.

The players

Antoine Craddock

One of the defendants who pleaded guilty and received an 18-year prison sentence for his role in the shooting.

Malek Daniels

One of the defendants who pleaded guilty and received a 12-year prison sentence for his role in the shooting.

Robert Spears

The third defendant who has been charged with accessory to murder and armed criminal action and will be tried later this year.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to work to address the root causes of gun violence in our community and hold those responsible accountable.”

— Melesa Johnson, Jackson County Prosecutor

What’s next

The trial for the third defendant, Robert Spears, is scheduled to take place later this year.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenge of reducing gun violence and fatal shootings in the Kansas City area, as well as the importance of prosecutors securing appropriate sentences for those involved in such incidents to help deter future crimes.