Kansas City landlord sentenced to life in prison for stabbing tenant

KANSAS CITY, Missouri (KCTV) – The Kansas City landlord who stabbed his tenant to death over a complaint about the heating will now spend the rest of his life behind bars.

Clay County Prosecutor Zachary Thompson announced Thursday, September 12, that Gordon McBeth was found guilty Wednesday of first-degree murder and armed criminal action.

Thompson pointed out that the charges stem from the fatal stabbing of Darryl Gillard on October 22, 2021.

On Thursday, justice officials announced that McBeth was sentenced to the maximum penalty on both counts, receiving life in prison for the murder charge and an additional 15 years for the armed criminal action charge.

“We argued that the shocking brutality of this murder deserves the maximum sentence, and the jury agreed,” Thompson said. “Our office is glad we had the chance to fight for justice in the courtroom and help secure this verdict for the victim and his family.”

Thompson said he praised the bravery of bystanders who helped detain the defendant until police officers arrived. He also praised the work of the Kansas City, Missouri, police in the investigation.

“Our office remains committed to seeking justice for all victims of crime and ensuring that those who commit crimes in Clay County are held accountable,” the prosecutor concluded.

Court documents noted that McBeth, Gillard's landlord, stabbed him during an argument over a heating complaint

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