Family of Malcolm Johnson files wrongful death lawsuit against KCPD officers

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Malcolm Johnson was shot and killed by police inside a BP gas station on March 25, 2021.

His family has now filed a wrongful death lawsuit that claims officers could have used non-deadly force — but chose not to.

Police had a stop order for Johnson connected to a shooting. Video from inside the gas station showed a struggle, and then an officer was shot.

Malcolm Johnson was then shot and killed.

Video of the shooting became public as community leaders questioned the shooting.

In March 2023, a special prosecutor out of Saint Louis released a five-page report clearing the officers and said the videos do not depict the entire events that led up to Johnson’s death. The report pointed out a Glock was found under Johnson.

Now, the family of Johnson is suing seven officers along with unnamed supervisors in a wrongful death lawsuit. The filing claimed an officer was angry he was shot and shot Johnson in retaliation.

KCTV5 has reached out to KCPD for comment regarding the lawsuit. However, the department generally does not comment on litigation.

KCPD Chief Stacey Graves previously released this statement regarding the shooting;

“No police officer wants to be in a situation where they get injured, nor do they want to have to cause injury to someone else. A loss of life affects everyone in our community, and it matters to us all.

“We recognize there is still work to do with our community to build that trust and under my leadership relationships are among my top priorities.”

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