'Spirit of forgiveness' replaces rage for shooting victim's fiancee

Alan Basler hammers a white wooden cross into the earth. This spot is special for Basler.

The patch of grass is on the east side of South Spring Street at the intersection of Gudgell and Spring streets. 

The cross bears the name of his son, Jevon Basler.

It’s the spot where Basler was shot and killed in an apparent random shooting on in November.

“This is the spot where his soul was taken from his body,” said Bonnie Washington, Jevon’s fiancee.

On Sunday, about 20 family and friends gathered at the intersection for a candlelight vigil to remember the 32-year-old Independence man. They prayed and concluded the vigil with the song “Amazing Grace.”

Bonnie was driving home at around 1:30 a.m. Nov. 23. Jevon was riding in the passenger seat. They were going home from Sidepockets in Blue Springs. Another vehicle began following them in the area of Osage and Spring streets. The car got closer to them, and then the bullets starting flying.

Washington ducked down into the seat. A bullet struck her in the hand.

A bullet pierced through the rear passenger side window and sliced into the body of Jevon.

“That’s when everything went silent, except for me screaming,” Washington said.

She drove to a convenience store and called police. Jevon was rushed to the hospital, where he later died.

“This was something that wasn’t supposed to happen,” Alan said. “He was someone who you could always count on.He was a loving young man. He loved everybody. I’d love to have him back. He was a super good guy.”

Alan said he’s going to keep watch over the memorial site, keeping it free of trash. Washington, meanwhile, said she is leaving for Minnesota, where she and Jevon were going to move.

Washington said she was filled with rage after the shooting.

But as she prepared for the vigil, Washington hopes “the spirit of forgiveness” consumes her.

She organized the memorial as a remembrance to Jevon. She also hopes the media exposure prompts someone to come forward with information that leads to justice.

“We hope that whoever did this horrible deed will be caught and justice will be served,” said Deb Cunningham, who used to work with Jevon.

Independence police have received several tips about the shooting, and detectives are putting the information together. Police say the shooting remains a top priority.

Washington said she’s sure the suspect car was a newer model white Grand Am with tinted windows.

Diane Fulson, Washington’s sister, pleaded for anyone who knows anything about the shootimg to call the Independence Police Department. That number is 816-325-7300 or the Tips Hotline at 474-TIPS (8477).