Several residents at a downtown Kansas City apartment complex are grieving and expressing anger following the tragic death of 5-year-old Grayson O'Connor, who fell from the top floor of the 17-story building on Monday. The incident, deemed a suspicious death investigation by the Kansas City Police Department, has left neighbors believing that the tragedy could have been prevented.

The identity of Grayson O'Connor was confirmed by the police on Wednesday, two days after his lifeless body was discovered in an alley outside the apartment building located at 10th Street and Grand Ave. As the investigation unfolds, authorities have revealed that the boy's mother was taken to the hospital on the day of the incident and is now considered a person of interest in the case.

Video evidence from nearby buildings has reportedly confirmed that Grayson O'Connor fell from the apartment he shared with his mother. However, the exact cause of his death has yet to be determined, pending an official report from the medical examiner's office, a process that could take several weeks.

Residents of the apartment complex have voiced their frustration and concern about the lack of safety measures in place. Security footage captured by KMBC 9 photographer Mark Lea on the day of the incident reveals a wide-open window on the top floor, raising questions about the adequacy of safety stoppers installed in units to prevent fully opening windows.

Derrae Davis, a resident who lives just two doors down from Grayson and his mother on the 17th and top floor, had already been worried about the situation. She had been recording videos for almost two years, capturing instances of Grayson's mother verbally and physically abusing the young child, resulting in his cries and even physical altercations within the apartment.

Another neighbor, Kelsey Grzib, also had concerns about Grayson's well-being. In the past, she had noticed the 5-year-old wandering downtown at night without his mother and had contacted the authorities. As a result, Grayson was temporarily placed in Grzib's care by the Children's Division of the Missouri Department of Social Services. During that time, Grzib found bruising on the boy's body, and Grayson disclosed that his mother had hit him with a jar of jelly, leading her to believe that he lived in a harmful environment.

Grzib's reports to social services highlight a possible failure in the system's response to the concerning situation. Despite the initial intervention, Grayson was eventually allowed to return to his apartment, raising questions about the effectiveness of the decision-making process and the measures taken to protect him.

The community at the apartment complex is united in their demand for accountability. They believe that Grayson's death was entirely preventable and that the proper authorities and property managers were repeatedly notified about the concerning circumstances. With anger and frustration mounting, there are calls for a thorough investigation into the potential charges his mother may face, whether it be a homicide or a case of child neglect and endangerment.

A growing memorial near the spot where Grayson's body was found stands as a heartbreaking testament to his young life cut short. The memorial is adorned with toys, flowers, and even a heartfelt love letter from a family who never knew him, expressing their sorrow for the tragic loss.

As the investigation continues, the Kansas City Police Department remains in communication with the Jackson County Prosecutor's Office regarding potential charges. The incident has shed light on the importance of child welfare and the need for a comprehensive review of the systems in place to protect vulnerable children.

It is hoped that this heartbreaking incident prompts necessary changes and leads to a renewed commitment to safeguarding the well-being of children in the community.