**Three 18-year-olds charged with first-degree murder in killing of Kansas City sports radio host Jimmy “Uncle Jimmy” Dodds**
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Three 18-year-old men have been charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of James Dodds, a longtime Kansas City sports radio personality known to listeners as “Uncle Jimmy,” police said.
Dodds, 64, was found with a gunshot wound about 7:15 p.m. Sunday in the 3000 block of North 82nd Terrace in Kansas City, Kansas. He was taken to a hospital in critical condition and died Monday, according to the Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department.
The suspects — Aaron Johnson, Mark Elliott Nash Jr. and Marquel McGee, all 18 and from Kansas City, Kansas — were arrested Monday in Newton, Kansas. They are being held at the Harvey County Detention Center pending transfer to Wyandotte County, where prosecutors have filed first-degree murder charges.
Police Chief Karl Oakman said the shooting grew out of a dispute involving people known to Dodds’ family. “Some of his family members knew the individuals. So, it stemmed from a disagreement,” Oakman said. “But once again, we’re seeing people’s inability to control their anger.”
Investigators have not publicly described the nature of the argument or released a detailed account of how the confrontation unfolded. Authorities have not said whether gang activity was a factor.
Landlord Michelle Karanja said Dodds was sitting in his vehicle behind a parked Chevrolet Tahoe when the shots were fired. A bullet hole was visible in the rear passenger side of the Tahoe. Karanja said her husband was working on a deck at the property when he heard three gunshots, then saw emergency crews arrive.
“He was a very good tenant. We never had any problems with him. It was very quiet over there. It’s certainly a tragedy,” she said. She added that Dodds’ two sons, who had been living with him, are expected to move in with their mother.
Dodds was a familiar voice in Kansas City sports talk radio and appeared with commentator Jason Whitlock, including on Fox Sports’ “Speak for Yourself.” He also worked for the Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Office. Whitlock later remembered him as a close friend and talented on-air personality.
Oakman used the case to warn about youth violence in Kansas City, Kansas. He said police had made 42 arrests over the previous two weeks, recovered eight firearms and seized nearly nine pounds of methamphetamine as part of enforcement aimed at gangs and violent crime. He said parents need to take a more active role in keeping young people away from guns and violence.
“I can’t understand going in my 15-year-old’s room and seeing an AK-47 automatic weapon,” Oakman said. “And I’m like, ‘Oh, that’s fine, no big deal.’”
The investigation remains open as detectives gather evidence for prosecution. Officials have not said when the three suspects will be moved from Harvey County to Wyandotte County to face the charges in person.
First-degree murder is among the most serious charges under Kansas law. Prosecutors have not announced whether they will seek any enhanced penalties, and no trial date has been set.
For many in Kansas City, Dodds’ death is both a personal loss and another reminder of how quickly disputes can turn fatal. Neighbors described the block as typically quiet. Colleagues and listeners remembered a man who spent decades on the air and in public service. Police say the facts of the shooting are still being assembled, but the central allegation is already before the courts: three 18-year-olds charged with murdering a 64-year-old radio host outside his home.
