KC Man Charged for Shooting Woman 20 Times During Robbery

An 18-year old Kansas City man was charged in federal court this week for the armed robbery of a female Z-Trip driver who was shot at least 20 times.

The U.S. Attorney's Office says that Derron D. Nevels, also known as “Ronnie,” was charged with one count of robbery and one count of using a firearm in a crime of violence.

According to an affidavit, Nevels was picked up by a Z-Trip driver at 3715 Wabash Ave., in Kansas City, MO, on December 4. The Z-Trip taxi in which the crime was committed is equipped with interior and exterior cameras. The cameras reportedly show Nevels getting into the rear passenger seat just after 8:00 p.m., the affidavit says. The Z-Trip driver took him to 914 Benton Ave., Kansas City, MO, arriving at the destination at approximately 8:15.

When they arrived at the destination, they waited in the vehicle for somebody to bring out the fare. When a second (unidentified) suspect approached the vehicle, Nevels held a Smith and Wesson Military & Police .22-caliber rifle up to the victim’s head and demanded she give him everything.

The victim reportedly attempted to explain that he was being recorded, to which Nevels allegedly responded, “I don’t care; give me everything.” Nevels also appeared to be taking a photo or video with his cell phone, according to the affidavit.

The victim turned toward the back seat and grabbed onto the gun, and a struggle ensued. The second suspect hit the victim in the face, then reached around the driver’s seat to strike her in the back and the back of head. The victim released her grip from the gun, the affidavit says, at which time Nevels leaned back in his seat, chambered a live round, and opened fire on the victim within close range, approximately 21 times. Both suspects then fled from the scene, running in a northbound direction.

About 10 minutes later, one of the suspects returned to the victim’s vehicle to retrieve Nevel’s cell phone, which he reportedly left behind when he fled from the scene of the crime.

He can be heard on the video asking the victim if she is okay, and she informs him that she has been shot and has called the police. He reached into the rear driver’s side of the vehicle to pick up the cell phone then left the scene.

When police officers arrived, the victim was transported to an area hospital in critical condition. It was determined the victim sustained approximately 20 gunshot wounds to her upper body. To date her condition continues to be critical with substantial and serious bodily injuries.

According to the affidavit, investigators used cell phone and Facebook data to identify Nevels. On Monday, December 10, Nevels and two other men were seen getting onto a bus in the area of Prospect and Swope Parkway.

Nevels was arrested when they got off the bus at 11th Street and Grand Ave. Authorities say Nevels was carrying the loaded rifle hidden in his waistband with the barrel going down his right pant leg.

Two other individuals were taken into custody but are not charged in the federal complaint. Their names were no released.