Nov. 18, 2019

A 25-year-old Lee’s Summit man has been charged in connection with the fatal shooting of a woman this weekend inside an Independence Thai restaurant, Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker announced today.

Porntrep Phonjaroen, dob: 8/22/1994, faces Murder 2nd Degree and Armed Criminal Action charges

Porntrep Phonjaroen, dob: 8/22/1994, faces Murder 2nd Degree and Armed Criminal Action charges.*

According to court records, on Nov. 16, 2019, the defendant shot and killed his cousin while working at the restaurant located on E. Valley View Parkway in Independence. Police found the victim on the kitchen floor of the restaurant. A restaurant customer told police a man inside the business had shot her. He was taken into custody and later identified as Pornthep Phonjaroen. Police recovered a shell casing inside the kitchen near the victim. A handgun was located in the woods behind the business. The defendant, speaking through an interpreter, admitted to shooting the victim, which was also captured on store video. He told police the victim was his cousin and he was upset with her work habits. 

Prosecutors requested a bond of $200,000 cash.

Charging Document(s)

*Charges are only accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until the defendant is either found guilty or has pleaded.

Share