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Former College Basketball Star Identified As Kansas City Murder Victim

A weekend homicide victim in Kansas City has been identified as Royce Jeffries, who played four years of college basketball at Oklahoma State University.

Jeffries played for Oklahoma State from 1986 to 1990, when Leonard Hamilton was the head coach.

Jeffries set a school record, since surpassed by two players, for the highest percentage of baskets made over his career at nearly 57 percent.

Jeffries was fatally shot while working as a security guard at a bar on 57th and Troost.

The death comes as Kansas City has seen a spike in homicides during the last several weeks, compared with last year's-record-low homicide rate.

Sports have an economic and social impact on our community and, as a sports reporter, I go beyond the scores and statistics. I also bring the human element to the sports figures who have a hand in shaping the future of not only their respective teams but our town. Reach me at gregechlin@aol.com.
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