Kansas City Police Department Officer Blayne Newton resigned Friday under what the department described as an “agreed departure,” ending his nine-year tenure with the agency.
According to a settlement agreement released by the Kansas City Police Department (KCPD), Newton will receive a $50,000 payment and is barred from any future employment with the department.
In an email statement, Capt. Jake Becchina said:
“As of February 13, 2026, and by mutual agreement, Blayne Newton has resigned from the Kansas City Missouri Police Department. This agreed departure brings certainty and closure to the matter.”
Background of Fatal Shootings and Civil Settlements
During his nine-year career, Newton was involved in multiple fatal shootings.
In a June 9, 2023 incident, Newton fired 16 rounds into a minivan, resulting in two fatalities and one injury. KCPD later settled a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the victims’ families for $3.5 million.
In March 2020, Newton shot and killed Donnie Sanders, a 47-year-old unarmed man, following a vehicle pursuit for speeding. Sanders’ family filed a $10 million civil lawsuit against the department.
Another case was settled for $65,000 after a Kansas woman accused Newton of assault at a Platte County Walmart.
Criminal Charging Decision
In late January 2026, Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson announced that her office would not file criminal charges against Newton in the 2023 triple shooting.
Johnson stated she could not “ethically or legally” pursue charges despite expressing concerns about Newton’s broader pattern of conduct.
According to Johnson, the 2023 shooting occurred while Newton was responding to a situation involving the front passenger of a van who was allegedly firing at another vehicle. Missouri law provides that a person may not be held criminally liable when unintentionally striking a third party while defending themselves or others.
Johnson wrote in a letter to KCPD Chief Stacey Graves:
“This office has serious and ongoing concerns about (Newton’s) pattern of behavior and the potential consequences it poses for other cases in which he is involved.”
Duty Assignment Questions
Following the 2023 shooting, it was reported that Newton was assigned to North Patrol, which covers Platte and Clay counties, but the incident occurred in Jackson County.
Newton told investigators he had gone to a KCPD station in Jackson County to use the restroom.
Public and Legal Reactions
Steve Young, co-founder of KC LEAP (Law Enforcement Accountability Project), stated that Newton’s resignation does not constitute accountability.
“Resignation is not justice. It is not transparency. And it is not reform,” Young said.
John Picerno, an attorney who represented plaintiffs in the 2023 wrongful death lawsuit, said Newton’s departure was beneficial for the community.
“The decision to shoot should be the last alternative for an officer. The overwhelming majority of officers perform admirably under difficult circumstances,” Picerno said. “An officer with his propensity for violence should never be allowed in the profession.”
Prior Calls for Termination
In 2024, former Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker publicly called on KCPD to terminate Newton, stating that he posed a risk to public safety.
Current Status
Under the terms of the settlement:
- Newton resigned effective February 13, 2026.
- He will receive a $50,000 settlement payment.
- He is prohibited from future employment with KCPD.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal shootings was Officer Newton involved in?
Public reporting indicates Newton was involved in three fatal shootings during his nine-year career.
Was Newton criminally charged?
No criminal charges were filed in the 2023 triple shooting case.
What civil settlements were reached?
The 2023 wrongful death lawsuit was settled for $3.5 million. Another case was settled for $65,000.
Can Newton return to KCPD?
No. Under the agreement, he is barred from future employment with the department.
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