KC man charged with murder in August shooting of a man in car: Court documents
A Kansas City man has been charged with murder after allegedly shooting a man as the victim sat in a car in August, 2024.
Eduardo A. Damian, 26, was charged in Jackson County court on Wednesday with second-degree murder for his role in the death of Daniel Vernassie, 47.
Damian also faces two charges of armed criminal action and one charge of unlawful use of a weapon.
Kansas City police officers responded to the area of E. 12th Street. and Bellaire Avenue. around 8 p.m. on August 10, where they discovered Vernassie in the front passenger seat of a black Nissan Altima with a gunshot wound to the neck.
Vernassie was declared deceased at the scene, according to police. Court records show that a second bullet was later found embedded in the passenger door of the car.
Kansas City police officers interviewed an eyewitness to the shooting on September 13, according to court documents. The witness said that Damian had been looking for Vernassie, who had allegedly stolen something from Damian.
The witness told police that he had bought narcotics from Damian on August 10, 2024, and had been in Damian's car on the way back to his own house when Damian saw Vernassie in the Altima. The witness described watching Damian take out a gun and fire three shots at the Altima, according to court documents. The witness later recognized the passenger as Vernassie from news coverage of his death.
A second witness later told police that they had been driving the Altima when Damian allegedly shot Vernassie, according to court documents. Damian was arrested on October 14.
Born and raised in Kansas City, Vernassie was an avid Chiefs fan who loved dogs and enjoyed spending time with his family, according to an obituary shared online after his death.
In the years leading up to his death, Vernassie experienced addiction and homelessness, according to the obituary. At times, he turned to spirituality and music for comfort.
"Danny fought his demons for many years, so positive he could beat them," Vernassie's obituary reads. "Danny's family remembers him for his kind heart, sense of humor, his good-natured naivete and his love of family."
Damian, who was previously placed on probation for charges of drug possession and unlawful use of a weapon, is not currently eligible for bond. He is set to next appear in Jackson County court on October 24 at 10:00 a.m. for a bond review hearing.
Vernassie's death was the 95th homicide reported in Kansas City in 2024, according to data collected by The Star. At the same time last year, 127 homicides had been reported in the city.
