The Kansas City Police Department in Missouri is facing criticism as the homicide investigation of a 26-year-old pregnant mother of four, Elaysha Gilliam, remains unresolved. Gilliam’s body was found with multiple gunshot wounds on February 19, 2024, in a field near Dunbar Park in Kansas City.
The case remains unsolved more than a month and a half later, leaving the victim’s family and community demanding answers and justice.
Elaysha’s stepmother, Clydetta Gilliam, expressed her frustration over the perceived lack of progress in the case. In a statement to a news outlet, Clydetta criticized the authorities for “dragging their feet” and for failing to provide the family with updates on the case. The family’s distress has been compounded by the Kansas City Police Department’s insistence that the investigation is active, despite no arrests or new information.
Ed Gilliam, Elaysha’s father, shared his sorrow, stating, “She was undeserving of such a fate. Her generous spirit was precious to countless individuals. We’re doing our best to be resilient for her children’s sake, yet the difficulty is immense given her deep connections and the mystery surrounding her passing.”
Ed Gilliam described his daughter as a passionate individual devoted to her children. He expressed hope for a resolution in her case, and justice for Elaysha’s untimely death.
Elaysha is remembered by her family for her resilience and love. She leaves behind four children, aged between 2 and 9, two of whom face significant health challenges — one is suffering from sickle cell anemia and another is dependent on a feeding tube. Her dedication to her family was a defining aspect of her life.
Days before her death, Elaysha’s mother had moved in with her to help out with the children. According to her brother, Elaysha had gone to meet her boyfriend on the night she was killed; she never returned.
Detectives are now focusing on a person of interest and have offered a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to a resolution in the case. However, the Gilliam family waits in uncertainty for any developments that can bring closure to Elaysha’s tragic death.
Elaysha’s death reflects the broader issues of violence and systemic challenges in resolving such crimes. Kansas City has seen an increasing trend in homicides, particularly affecting Black women. A 2023 local news report indicated that Missouri is the riskiest state for this demographic group. This was supported by data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which showed Missouri leading in homicide rates for Black women and girls in 2020.
Reacting to the perceived lack of action from the police, Elaysha’s family is taking steps to keep her memory alive and demand accountability. Clydetta Gilliam stated, “I’m not going to let them sweep this under the rug. I want every single person charged.” The family has plans for a billboard advertisement and public appeals for information to assist the investigation.
The Kansas City Police Department continues to urge anyone with information about the case to come forward. As the investigation moves forward, the Gilliam family and the community anxiously hope for justice for Elaysha, a tribute to her memory and recognition of the lives she touched.
