‘Bright light:’ Kansas City 6th grader remembered while police hunt her killer

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - A Kansas City school is grieving the death of an 11-year-old girl as the community calls for answers.

Police said someone shot and killed Kourtney Freeman just before 10 p.m. Wednesday, April 10. Investigators said she was inside her home near 33rd St. and Flora Ave. when gunfire from outside hit her.

The sixth grader attended The Kauffman School. The school released Kourtney’s latest school picture. It shows the 11-year-old beaming.

Faculty who knew Freeman said her smile matched her personality and released a statement remembering her.

The school said Kourtney’s friends, classmates, and other students are offered counseling and other support. The support will continue for the coming weeks.

Leaders at the school said they recognize a collective, community-based approach to violence prevention is felt now more than ever by those who knew Kourtney.

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Even before her death, the school said it was organizing a workshop called “Hope. Transformation. Healing.” to address violence in Kansas City. The school plans to hold the workshop as scheduled on Saturday, April 20.

“We hope the work and resolve that comes from this workshop will honor Kourtney’s memory and serve as a tribute to the legacy she’s left behind,” the Kauffman School said in a statement.

Funeral arrangements have not been publicly announced, but a metro organization plans to honor Kourtney next week.

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KC Mothers in Charge plans to host a vigil and celebration of life to honor the 11-year-old. It will take place in front of the Freeman’s home near 33rd and Flora on Monday, April 15. The vigil is expected to begin at 5 p.m.