A Parsons man accused of accidentally shooting another man received probation for a lesser crime earlier this month.
Kenyon L. Best, 26, pleaded no contest earlier this month to a reduced charge of misdemeanor battery in Labette County District Court. He received six months in jail, suspended, and probation for a year. He was originally charged with aggravated battery, a mid-level felony, and possession of a firearm under the influence, a misdemeanor. He also pleaded to a misdemeanor battery charge filed in another case, where he was accused of battering the same man in November 2023. However, the sentences in both cases were to be served concurrently.
Parsons police received a report at 2 a.m. July 25 of a possible shooting at Prairie West Apartments in the 3600 block of Gabriel.
As officers responded, Officer Tyler White observed a suspicious vehicle speeding toward Labette Health. He followed the vehicle, which pulled up to the Emergency Room, and he met the driver, Kenyon Best. Best reported that he had accidentally shot the victim, who was rushed into the ER for treatment, according to a release from police at the time.
“Officers retrieved a 9mm handgun and other evidence. Based on the evidence and interviews along with witnesses, it appears that Best may have accidentally discharged a pistol at Prairie West apartments and the victim, who was nearby Best, was struck by the bullet,” according to Patrol Lt. Kyle Wiford, who was quoted in the same release. Officers determined that Best and a friend, a 24-year-old Tytan Hall of Columbus, were at Best’s apartment.
Police arrested Best at Labette Health. He was transported to the Parsons Police Lock-Up for booking on the two charges, police said at the time.
Hall was treated at Labette Health then flown to Freeman Hospital in Joplin.
Under the plea, Best is to refrain from having contact with Hall.
