Jefferson City shooting investigation draws national attention as family turns to social media

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

A shooting investigation in Jefferson City is drawing attention from millions across the country, as the family of Erik Spencer II continues to call for transparency.

Spencer was shot and killed on Nov. 1 in the 3500 block of Missouri Boulevard. Police records obtained by ABC 17 News show that officers were called to the area around 7:52 p.m. after a caller reported witnessing a man assaulting a woman. The caller and the dispatcher noted screaming coming from a vehicle. Within minutes, gunshots were reported, and by 8:02 p.m., emergency responders were performing CPR.

Police said Spencer died at the scene.

The Spencer family has turned to social media to raise awareness for Erik’s death, sharing videos, updates, and messages to the public. One video posted by a friend on TikTok has reached over 4 million views.

A report from the Congressional Research Service shows social media plays a growing role in criminal investigations. State and federal agencies have used public and, in some cases, private social media data to help build cases.

The report also shows:

• 89% of public-safety agencies use social media for community outreach
• 76% use it to solicit crime tips
• 72% use it to monitor public sentiment
• 70% use it for intelligence gathering
• 91% use it to share public-safety concerns

For Spencer’s sister, Ka’leen Spencer, social media has provided a platform to speak directly to the nation.

“If you're concerned about someone being shot and killed in your community, you should be very concerned,” Ka’leen Spencer said. “No one knows who he [the suspect] is or what he looks like. It could be somebody walking down the street, and you don’t even know.”

The Jeffeson City Police Department said the person who shot Spencer has been cooperating during the investigation. ABC 17 News learned that authorities questioned a state employee, who is currently on leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

“I think the nation should be interested. An unarmed Black man was shot and killed in broad daylight in a shopping center. That’s a human problem," Ka'keen Spencer said.

As the case gained national attention on social media, ABC 17 News asked Cole County Prosecutor Locke Thompson about the heightened profile. Thompson said he cannot provide additional details while the investigation is ongoing.

“I will not compromise the integrity of the investigation or any potential prosecution by making extrajudicial comments in the media, which I am specifically barred from doing by Missouri’s Supreme Court Rules,” Thompson wrote in an email.

He confirmed that the Spencer family is being kept informed, but emphasized that no further information can be released at this time.

Ka’leen said public advocacy through social media is critical.

“Social media does wonders. Public outcry does wonders,” she said. “If prosecutors or the Jefferson City Police Department aren’t putting out a statement — then who will?”

The Spencer family plans to host a candlelight vigil Monday at 7 p.m. in front of Old Navy to mark one month since his death. Before the vigil, the family says they will attend the Jefferson City Council meeting to "stand for transparency."

ABC 17 News reached out to the City of Jefferson City and the Jefferson City Police Department for comment.