Family of Shooting Victim Turns to Viral Outrage—What They Discovered Will Shock You!

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ) — A shooting investigation in Jefferson City is capturing national attention as the family of Erik Spencer II seeks clarity and transparency regarding his death. Spencer was shot and killed on November 1 in the 3500 block of Missouri Boulevard, an area now marked by tragedy and uncertainty.

According to police records obtained by ABC 17 News, officers responded to the scene around 7:52 p.m. after receiving reports of a man assaulting a woman, which was accompanied by screaming from a vehicle. Gunshots rang out just moments later, and by 8:02 p.m., emergency responders were performing CPR on Spencer, who died at the scene.

The family has taken to social media to amplify their calls for justice and transparency, with videos and updates spreading rapidly across platforms. A TikTok post by a friend has garnered over 4 million views, demonstrating the power of social media in rallying public support. “If you're concerned about someone being shot and killed in your community, you should be very concerned,” said Ka’leen Spencer, Erik's sister. “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.”

Data from a report by the Congressional Research Service highlights the increasing role of social media in criminal investigations. It reveals that 89% of public safety agencies utilize social media for community outreach, while 76% employ it to solicit crime tips. Moreover, 72% use it to monitor public sentiment, and 70% for intelligence gathering. This landscape underscores how platforms like TikTok can serve as vital tools for advocacy and awareness.

The Jefferson City Police Department has indicated that the individual who shot Spencer is cooperating with the investigation. Reports indicate that authorities have also questioned a state employee who is currently on leave, pending the investigation’s outcome. Cole County Prosecutor Locke Thompson, when asked for additional details, stated, “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.” He confirmed that the Spencer family is being kept informed but could not provide further details.

Ka’leen Spencer expressed the importance of public advocacy through social media, stating, “Social media does wonders. Public outcry does wonders. If prosecutors or the Jefferson City Police Department aren’t putting out a statement — then who will?” This underscores a broader issue that resonates beyond Jefferson City; it speaks to the urgency for accountability in cases involving unarmed individuals, particularly in communities of color. “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,” she added.

In memory of Erik, the Spencer family is organizing a candlelight vigil set for Monday at 7 p.m. in front of the Old Navy, marking one month since his tragic death. The family plans to attend a Jefferson City Council meeting beforehand to demand transparency in the investigation. Their efforts reflect a growing movement across the country where families of victims are leveraging social media to spotlight their causes, mobilize support, and demand justice.

As this case continues to unfold, the community remains on edge, grappling with questions of safety and accountability. The Spencer family's plea for transparency is not just a personal quest but part of a larger dialogue about the systemic issues surrounding violence and policing in America.