Arrest Made in Shooting Death of Kansas City Sports Reporter
Investigation Concludes After Months of Work
A comprehensive investigation into the tragic shooting death of Kansas City-area sports reporter Dennis Sharkey Jr. culminated this week with the arrest of a suspect in the case. The 50-year-old journalist, who worked for the Platte County Citizen, was discovered in his vehicle on January 10 with a fatal gunshot wound. Authorities believe he was returning from covering a sports event at the time of the incident.
Details of the Incident
Platte County deputies received a 911 call shortly after 7 p.m. from a couple traveling on Interstate 29. They reported witnessing a confrontation involving a dark-colored car and a white car, which ended when the driver of the dark car emerged wielding a firearm. Shortly thereafter, a gunshot was heard before the couple drove away from the scene.
Responding deputies found Sharkey’s vehicle, a 2019 Chevrolet Spark, crashed along the highway. He was rushed to North Kansas City Hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Identification of the Suspect
The investigation made significant progress when investigators utilized Sharkey’s cell phone, which had been located in his vehicle, to track other phones in the vicinity at the time of the shooting. A search warrant led to the identification of Ruslan Husynov, who was linked to a phone that was active in the area around the time of the shooting. Surveillance footage further corroborated the details provided by the 911 witnesses.
Husynov was interviewed by law enforcement and confirmed his phone number but denied ownership of any firearms. However, a subsequent search of his residence yielded a 9mm Stoeger pistol securely stored in a safe. Forensic testing from the Kansas City Police Crime Laboratory revealed that the shell casing found at the crime scene matched the firearm discovered at Husynov’s home.
Charges Filed
As a result of these findings, Husynov has been charged with second-degree murder, unlawful use of a weapon, and two counts of armed criminal action. He is currently being held in the Platte County Jail without bond.
Sheriff’s office officials have expressed their commitment to seeking justice for Sharkey’s family and the broader community as this case moves forward.
Updates will be provided as more information becomes available in this developing story.
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