‘Remarkable young man:’ Kansas City middle schooler killed in likely murder-suicide, remembered
A Kansas City principal in the Park Hill School District remembers 12-year-old Jerel McGeachy, Jr., as a "remarkable young man," in the days following his murder. Police found the body of 12-year-old Jerel McGeachy, Jr. along with his parents, Domonique and Jerel Jr., in their Northland home in Kansas City, Kanas City, on Monday morning. Detectives believe Jerel Sr. shot and killed his parents before turning the gun on himself. The boy, who attended the Park Hill School District in the city, made an impact on students, teachers, and his principal. While at Congress Middle School, Jerel served on the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Council and was inducted into the National Junior Honor Society. He was also named as the Principal's Student Speaker for the 8th Grade Celebration next month.
Published : a month ago by Heidi Schmidt in General
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - A Kansas City middle schooler who dreamed of growing up to become an attorney general is instead remembered as a remarkable and inspirational young man.
Kansas City police found the body of 12-year-old Jerel McGeachy, Jr., along with his parents, in their Northland home Monday morning.
Detectives said they completed a preliminary investigation and believe Jerel Sr., shot and killed Domonique and Jerel Jr. before turning the gun on himself. Investigators say they are still investigating exactly what led to the shooting, but are not looking for anyone else involved.
Jerel, Jr. attended the Park Hill School District where he made an instant impact on students, teachers, and his principal.
ALSO READ: Community shocked after respected family of 3 found dead in suspected murder-suicide
“Despite being young, Jerel was already a mature and intelligent kid who was never afraid to speak his mind and stand up for what he believed was right. I remember telling him that it’s important to sometimes just be a kid and enjoy playing in the mud and getting dirty. However, he replied that he would rather go to the library and check out a book. Nonetheless, he quickly adapted to his new school environment and made many friends,” Dr. Ryan Smith, Congress Middle School principal, said.
According to Smith, Jerel transferred to Park Hill from a school in Topeka. He skipped seventh grade and started school in Kansas City as an eighth grader because of his high test scores.
“Jerel was a remarkable young man who inspired me to be a better principal. He even told me that I was amazing and on top of my game as his first black principal, and I was honored to serve as his first middle school principal,” Smith said.
While at Congress Middle School, Jerel served on the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Council. He was inducted into National Junior Honor Society and was selected as the Principal’s Student Speaker for the 8th Grade Celebration next month.
The district also shared a picture of Jerel, Jr. meeting motivational speaker and school psychologist Dr. Umar Johnson during a recent visit to Kansas City.
“Although my heart is shattered by his loss, I will always cherish the great moments we shared. Jerel reached the mountaintop, even if his time here on earth was brief. I feel proud to have been a part of his journey,” Smith said.
Jerel Sr., 38, worked as a police officer with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. His mother, Domonique, 38, was an Army veteran who worked as a nurse with the U.S. Department of Military Affairs.
Funeral arraignments for the family have not yet been publicly announced.
Topics: Crime, Murder