Kansas City Police Sought Murder Suspect
Authorities are searching for a man charged in a 2024 shooting that killed a local woman.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Violence
The Kansas City Police Department is actively searching for 34-year-old De'Airis Poindexter. Poindexter faces a Jackson County warrant on a charge of second-degree murder following a 2024 shooting incident.
Why it matters
The search follows an investigation into a shooting that claimed the life of 26-year-old Michelle Donato, a mother of six children. Officials are working to secure an arrest as legal proceedings move forward.
De'Airis Poindexter is charged with second-degree murder, second-degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon, and three counts of armed criminal action. Police are requesting anonymous tips be reported via 816-474-TIPS.
The players
Kansas City Police Department
This local law enforcement agency is responsible for investigating crimes and maintaining public safety within Kansas City.
De'Airis Poindexter
He is a 34-year-old man currently wanted on an active warrant for his alleged role in a fatal shooting.
Michelle Donato
She was a 26-year-old mother of six who was killed during the 2024 shooting at the West Bluff Townhomes.
Jackson County
This is the governing jurisdiction where the murder charges and the active arrest warrant were filed.
The details
Prosecutors charged Poindexter after investigators reportedly matched his DNA to shell casings found at the West Bluff Townhomes. A witness identified Poindexter as the shooter during the incident, which allegedly stemmed from an argument that turned into a physical fight.
Timeline
The shooting occurred at the West Bluff Townhomes on Nov. 25, 2024.
Poindexter was formally charged in court in April 2026.
Police were actively searching for the suspect on Oct. 9, 2026.
Legal Context
This case follows the standard protocol for violent crime investigations where forensic DNA evidence is used to secure formal charges. The active search reflects the broader efforts of local authorities to resolve cold cases and address violent crime in the municipality.
Residents in the area should remain aware that the suspect is currently at large and being sought by authorities. Anyone with information regarding his location is urged to contact the police using the designated anonymous tip line.
The takeaway
The search highlights the ongoing legal response to a tragic incident that impacted a local family. Cooperation between the public and police remains a vital component in resolving outstanding warrants for violent offenses.
Further reading
Learn more about local safety efforts in the Kansas City Violence section.
