A tragic shooting on Memorial Day in Missouri left a mother and grandmother dead, while a teenage boy survived after being injured in a supermarket parking lot.
Missouri Man Arrested for Deadly Memorial Day Shooting
Allen Prince, 27, is behind bars and faces serious charges, including first-degree murder, two counts of assault, and three counts of armed criminal action, according to the Cass County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
The shooting claimed the life of 45-year-old Amy Coon and injured 16-year-old Ayden, who works at the grocery store chain.
What Happened at Price Chopper
The incident occurred at Cosentino’s Price Chopper on Missouri Route 7 in Pleasant Hill, a suburb about 30 miles southeast of Kansas City. Police say the shooting began just before 4:30 p.m.
Coon was shot while standing next to her own car in the parking lot and was pronounced dead at the scene. Ayden was shot twice while retrieving shopping carts and is currently in stable condition at Children’s Mercy Hospital. His mother expressed hope that the incident wouldn’t prevent him from returning to work at the store, where he had just started in March.
Pleasant Hill Police Chief Tommy Wright remembered Coon as more than a victim. “She was a daughter, mother, grandmother, and someone who cared deeply for her family,” he said. Her niece also shared, “She truly was a light in this evil and cruel world we live in. I never saw her without a smile on her face.”
Community Heroes Step In
Two armed citizens from Pleasant Hill approached Prince during the incident, which led him to shoot himself in the head with a bolt-action Winchester .243-caliber rifle. The police chief praised their courage, saying they helped prevent further violence in the community. Prince is currently receiving medical treatment for his injuries.
Background on the Suspect
Prince had a legal history before the shooting. He was scheduled for a court hearing on June 3 over a harassment charge filed in September 2025. Court records allege he made threats to a family member and exhibited erratic behavior at home. At the time, he was released on a recognizance bond with conditions that prohibited him from owning firearms and contacting certain individuals.
Impact on the Community
Coon’s death is the first homicide in Pleasant Hill in at least 20 years. Police say violent incidents are rare in the area, with Chief Wright noting, “It looks like it’s every 20 years or so. And we hope that we can even make that last a little longer this time.”
The tragedy has left a deep mark on Pleasant Hill, highlighting both the senselessness of gun violence and the importance of community support in times of crisis.
