Second Victim Dies in Independence Crime Spree: Tyler Rizer Faces Additional Murder Charge

Accident – death – Obituary News : INDEPENDENCE, Mo. — A suspect in an Independence crime spree is facing additional charges after a second victim died last month. Tyler Rizer, 28, was indicted on Friday with jurors adding another murder charge to his case.

The update comes after Independence police confirmed that a second victim in the crime spree, Jorge Recio Leyva, died from his injuries on October 11. Previously, police had reported the death of Juavvion Bagsby, 29, who was shot on September 29 as part of Rizer’s alleged spree. Another victim, Doc Paton, was also stabbed twice but survived the attack.

Rizer now faces a total of over a dozen charges, including two counts of second-degree murder, one count of first-degree assault, four counts of armed criminal action, two counts of third-degree assault, one count of unlawful use of a weapon, one count of stealing a car, one count of leaving the scene of a crash, and one count of vehicle hijacking.

The crime spree began on September 29 when Independence police responded to a reported stabbing near 40th Terrace and S. Osage Street. They found Paton with stab wounds and witnessed Rizer fleeing the scene. Paton revealed that he had given Rizer a ride when the suspect threatened him with a knife and stabbed him. Paton managed to escape, but Rizer chased after him.

Shortly after, officers heard reports of an assault and gunshots at 41st and Osage. When they arrived, they discovered two men shot between two houses. Bagsby was pronounced dead at the scene, while Recio was taken to the hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.

According to court documents, Rizer also attacked a woman and her two small children, ages 3 and 5. He grabbed the 3-year-old and entered the patio area of her home, threatening to kill them if they made any noise. The woman managed to call her husband, Bagsby, who confronted Rizer with a handgun. Despite her pleas for him not to shoot, gunshots were heard shortly after.

After the shooting, Rizer stole Bagsby’s car, crashed it, and attempted to carjack another driver. Police eventually apprehended him and he is now scheduled to be arraigned on December 7.

The expanded charges against Rizer demonstrate the severity of his alleged crimes and the impact they have had on the community. The families of the victims are seeking justice, and the upcoming trial will determine the fate of the suspect. Independence residents hope that these charges will bring closure and prevent further harm in their community..