KANSAS CITY —Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson today announced charges against a Kansas City man in connection with a homicide that occurred inside at Centerpoint hospital this week.
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James F. Lawson, 39, faces 2nd Degree Murder, Armed Criminal Action, and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm charges.
According to court records, Independence police responded to a hospital on Oct. 22 and found the victim deceased with a gunshot wound to her chest. The victim had been at the hospital visiting the Lawson, who had been admitted to the hospital.
Surveillance footage from the hospital showed Lawson in his wheelchair facing the victim, who appeared to be struggling to breathe and began to bend forward. Lawson was frantically messing with his pants and hip area, and a dark object was seen in his right hand.
When officers located and arrested Lawson he had a holster on his hip, and ammunition in his wheelchair.
A Jackson County judge set Lawson's bond to $250,000 cash only.