The suspect, Willard, has an extensive criminal history

WILLARD, Mo. (KY3) – The search continues for a Sedalia man charged with murder; Although Willard police conducted an extensive search, they are no longer actively on the scene.

At approximately 3:00 a.m. Sunday morning, Willard police conducted a traffic stop and 23-year-old Kenkori Grant was uncooperative, exited his vehicle and drove off.

Personnel from Willard Police, Ash Grove, Walnut Grove, Greene County Sheriff’s Office and Missouri State Highway Patrol were all on scene assisting in the search near Highway 160 and Hunt Street.

Now, on Monday, Willard Police Chief Tom McClain said he believes Grant is no longer in the area.

“While I can’t say with absolute certainty that he’s not in Willard, I can say that he’s most likely not in Willard,” McClain said. “He has a network of family and friends.”

According to McClain, Grant’s phone was pinged late Sunday afternoon, indicating it was in Sedalia. McClain thinks it’s likely he’s staying there, although he admits it’s possible he left his phone there or that he could have given it to someone.

In Sedalia, Grant is charged with second-degree murder in connection with a shooting on April 21 of this year. But his criminal history goes back even further. Court documents show he pleaded guilty to four counts of harassment in 2021.

His prison sentence was suspended and he received a suspended sentence. Records show he violated his probation, went to prison in May 2022 and was released in December 2023.

After being charged with second-degree murder in April, Grant eventually posted $1 million bail and was released from custody. However, one of the conditions of his bond was to attend all court dates.

Court records show he has failed to appear multiple times and that a bond cancellation hearing as of Oct. 1 was scheduled for Dec. 10, 2024. The documents also indicate that Grant is considered a flight risk.

It is unclear when he first came to Greene County. Police are no longer on scene and are searching the field in Willard as Grant is believed to be no longer in the area.

“If he is in fact still in town and someone sees him or someone that could be him, we would encourage them to call 911 immediately,” McClain said.

The search area itself is near several Willard school buildings. KY3 News reached out to the school about the manhunt and whether there were any district concerns, but the district declined to comment.

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