Independence man charged with murder of 19-year-old found in car near I-435

On November 28, 2024By Pranco

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. (KCTV) – An Independence man has been charged with murder in the death of a 19-year-old found in a car near I-435 on Sunday.

The Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office said Steven B. Rock has been charged in the death of 19-year-old Preston Bell.

Court documents filed Friday said video evidence showed Bell’s vehicle at a home when three suspects approached the vehicle. One suspect, later identified as Rock, is seen on video running around the back of the vehicle, opening the driver’s side door and pulling out a person who is not moving.

Rock then placed the victim in the back seat of the vehicle, got into the car and drove away.

READ MORE: Missing 19-year-old identified as teen, found shot, killed in car near I-435

Kansas City, Missouri police were dispatched to the area of I-435 and Truman Road on Sunday afternoon. There they found Bell in the car with a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to court documents, police told Rock that everyone involved in the fatal shooting would be charged. During a prison phone call, Rock said, “The others don’t deserve that. It’s me.”

Prosecutors have requested a $250,000 bond for Rock, who faces one count of second-degree murder, two counts of armed criminal action and one count of abandonment of a corpse.

The investigation into the shooting continues. Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker said charges have been filed for leaving a body for a second suspect in the case.