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January 12, 2025 – USA –
Dennis Sharkey Jr., a 50-year-old sports journalist for the Platte County Citizen in Missouri, was fatally shot on January 10, 2025, in what authorities believe was a road-rage incident. The tragedy occurred as Sharkey was driving home from covering a high school basketball game, just one day after celebrating his 50th birthday.
Police say Sharkey’s vehicle veered off Interstate 29 near 72nd Street and crashed into a fence. Witnesses reported that his car had pulled over on the side of the highway alongside another vehicle. A man reportedly exited the second car, confronted Sharkey, and opened fire. Sharkey was found seriously wounded inside his vehicle and later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
In June 2025, authorities arrested 34-year-old Ruslan Huseynov in connection with the shooting. He has been charged with second-degree murder, unlawful use of a weapon, and two counts of armed criminal action. Investigators used mobile phone data, traffic camera footage, and ballistic evidence to identify and link Huseynov to the crime. A search of his home uncovered a firearm and ammunition consistent with the bullet recovered from Sharkey’s body.
Sharkey was a respected local journalist who joined the Platte County Citizen in 2018, covering county government and high school sports. He held a journalism degree from Missouri Western State University and was known for his dedication, fairness, and passion for community reporting. His colleagues described him as hardworking, thoughtful, and deeply committed to his role.
The killing shocked the local journalism community and residents of Platte County. A memorial service was held in his honor, and a fundraiser was launched to support his mother, who survives him. While the motive remains under investigation, officials say the incident appears to stem from a confrontation on the road.
Sharkey’s death highlights the unexpected risks journalists may face—even in routine assignments—and underscores growing concerns about gun violence and public safety. As the investigation continues, his community mourns the loss of a journalist remembered not only for his reporting but for his kindness and integrity.
Reference –
https://www.live5news.com/2025/01/12/newspaper-sports-reporter-found-dead-his-vehicle-police-say/
