A Missouri resident, embroiled in ongoing disputes with his neighbors, fatally shot one of them, according to police reports. Witnesses recount that he “stood over the victim” and fired a shot into his back while the victim lay face down on the ground.

The accused, Jeffrey King, 42, from Kansas City, faces charges of first-degree murder for the death of his 41-year-old neighbor Chris Wells. This information comes from a probable cause affidavit.

“He attacked me,” King reportedly claimed, asserting that Wells punched him in the face, prompting him to shoot in self-defense. King allegedly made these comments to a mutual acquaintance of both men.

Authorities report that King and Wells had a history of escalating tensions, as detailed in the affidavit. During a search of King’s home, police discovered a note mentioning Wells by name, referencing property damage and other grievances. The note also hinted at the use of a BB gun in retaliation.

The conflict reached its peak on Monday when a disagreement arose after King allegedly threw a blanket onto Wells’ property. This altercation ended tragically with King purportedly shooting Wells. Wells’ wife discovered the aftermath and alerted the authorities.

“[Wells’ wife] stated that … she was walking her dog when she observed a vehicle running on King’s property,” the affidavit says. A no-contact order was in place that prevented the neighbors from talking to each other, according to police.

“[Wells’ wife] was attempting to return to her residence before contacting King but she quickly noticed King approaching her property with a blanket in his possession,” the affidavit says. “As King walked closer towards [Wells’] property, he tossed the blanket into the grass area in the front yard. Due to the long history of King harassing [the wife] and other neighbors in the area, [Wells’ wife] called the victim to notify him while he was at work.”

Wells came home and went to King’s home across the street to confront him, according to police. King allegedly met him in the street and a “physical altercation” ensued.

“Shortly after … [Wells’ wife] heard what sounded like multiple gunshots,” the affidavit says, noting that surveillance video from a neighboring residence features audio of at least eight gunshots being heard while the view of them is “blocked by the rear” of a vehicle.

The video also allegedly shows Wells walking toward King and throwing “a punch” that appears to strike King on the head, per the affidavit.

“Detectives contacted two juvenile witnesses … who stated they watched from a car as King stood over the victim and the victim was lying face down in the street,” the affidavit explains. “The juvenile witnesses each stated they observed King shoot the victim in the back as the victim was lying face down on the ground.”

Detectives searched King’s residence and located 9 mm ammunition and multiple 9 mm firearms matching the caliber of the 9 mm casings located at the crime scene. Wells’ wife told investigators that King had a history of “harassing” neighbors since before they moved into their home in 2023.

“They have had multiple incidents involving King,” the affidavit says, citing interviews with Wells’ wife. The incidents have allegedly been documented with the homeowners association, as well as law enforcement.

“King has harassed her, and on another occasion, assaulted [Wells],” the affidavit says. “[Wells’ wife] stated King has parked cars in front of her property, which blocked the United States Postal Services access to the mailbox on her property.”

King was arrested Monday on charges of murder and armed criminal action. He was booked in the Clay County Detention Center on a $5 million bond. He is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 20 for a bond reduction hearing and on Feb. 27 for a preliminary hearing.