Romanucci & Blandin announces civil investigation into fatal police shooting of teenager Saveion McConnell in the Kansas City area

19-year-old Lee’s Summit North High School grad was unarmed when officer struck him with police car, and then shot and killed him

CHICAGO (May 21, 2026) – Nationally renowned civil rights law firm Romanucci & Blandin announces a civil investigation into the death of Saveion McConnell, an unarmed 19-year-old Black resident of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, who was shot multiple times and killed by a Lafayette County Sheriff’s deputy. In the early morning of May 1, 2026, Saveion was walking with another young man near U.S. Highway 50 in unincorporated Pittsville, when the Sheriff’s deputy struck Saveion with his patrol car and then shot him multiple times. The Missouri State Highway Patrol is now investigating and has confirmed that no gun or other weapon was recovered at the scene. Saveion was a football and basketball player who graduated from Lee’s Summit North High School in 2025.

The firm’s investigation will examine the events leading up to Saveion’s tragic death. Romanucci & Blandin demands full transparency from all law enforcement agencies involved.

The legal team representing Saveion’s mother, Michelle Washington, includes Senior Attorney Joshua M. Levin, Senior Attorney Benjamin A. Berkman, and Attorney Colton M. Johnson Taylor.

“Saveion should be alive today. Based on the facts we know so far, the deputy’s use of deadly force appears completely unjustified. Saveion was an unarmed teenager. The deputy struck Saveion with his police car—using his vehicle as a weapon—moments before shooting Saveion to death. We do not believe Saveion posed any imminent threat that would have justified the use of deadly force. We will work tirelessly to gather all information, video, and witness testimony, with the goal of holding those responsible accountable for taking this young man’s life,” said Senior Attorney Joshua M. Levin, Romanucci & Blandin.

Statement from Michelle Washington, Saveion’s mother:

“I am heartbroken. My son, Saveion McConnell, was tragically taken from our family far too soon. Out of my four children, he was my only son. Our family is devastated, and his sisters are having a very difficult time accepting his passing. Saveion was pursuing trade programs and exploring college opportunities, with so much life still ahead of him. He will never have the chance to get married or have children of his own because his life was senselessly cut short. He was loved by hundreds and always will be and is deeply missed throughout our community and family.”

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact Romanucci & Blandin for a confidential conversation at 312-458-1000 or intakes@rblaw.net.

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About Romanucci & Blandin, LLC

Romanucci & Blandin is a Chicago-based national trial practice committed to fighting for victims of negligence, abuse and wrongful death. For nearly 30 years, we have secured more than $1 billion in verdicts and settlements for our clients - many for millions of dollars and others record-setting awards. Our experience ranges from mass shootings, civil rights and police misconduct to medical malpractice, sexual abuse, motor vehicle accidents or workplace injury cases involving individual or institutional negligence. Romanucci & Blandin is a valuable legal resource to individuals and groups of people who have been injured by others’ wrongdoing. Referring attorneys and clients say several factors differentiate our firm: Our record of success, depth of experience, talented and dedicated legal team, tireless preparation and strategic use of communications to fight for the rights of those whose lives have been changed forever. We are different from other personal injury firms in that our work does not stop when a verdict or settlement is secured. We are often inspired by our clients’ experiences and commit resources to create change in our communities. For more information about Romanucci & Blandin, please visit www.rblaw.net or call (312) 458-1000.