Flashback Royals: Remembering a Murder Victim


The Royals over the years have worn patches on their uniforms to remember tragic periods in American history including 9/11 and more. Kansas City in 2007 was stunned after learning that local teenager Kelsey Smith was abducted and murdered. The Royals wore light blue ribbons on their wrists in remembrance of the 18-year old after former manager Buddy Bell spoke to the Smith family.  Many Kansas Cityians remember the Kelsey Smith case well after the story of her abduction hit the local media and national media. On June 2, Smith was shopping at her local Target in Overland Park, KS looking for a picture frame for her boyfriend John Biersmith. While at Target, Smith's killer followed her throughout the store after noticing her at the jewelry counter. While Smith was in the checkout line, her abductor ran to his vehicle to grab his gun and waited for her to leave the store to grab her. The 18-year old was unable to fight off the kidnapper and was forced into her vehicle and was told to drive to Longview Lake were she was strangled and sexually assaulted with her own belt she had in her car. Smith's mother was aware that Kelsey was shopping at the Target before the abduction occurred. The Royals were playing the Phillies that evening with former Royals pitcher Jon Lieber on the bump for Kansas City. Kansas City won the game 4-0. The Royals charities had a self defense class the following year called T.A.K.E. Defense self defense on Sunday, May 17. The Royals Charities had the self defense class on the schedule before Kelsey Smith's abduction occurred. Now fifteen years later the Smith family continues to promote self defense training for young adults, and they continue to push for the Kelsey Smith Act to be passed in all 50 states.


Get involved with the foundation: 
https://kelseysarmy.org

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