Missouri sports reporter Dennis Sharkey Jr shooting arrest Ruslan Huseynov

A tragic road-rage incident on January 10, 2025, resulted in the death of former sports reporter Dennis Sharkey Jr. in Missouri. Ruslan Huseynov, 34, has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder, armed criminal action, and unlawful use of a weapon in connection with Sharkey’s death.

The incident unfolded on I-29, with witnesses reporting that Huseynov and Sharkey’s vehicles came to a stop on the interstate, causing a traffic jam. Witnesses saw Huseynov, described as appearing “Middle Eastern or Italian,” exit his vehicle with a gun and point it at Sharkey’s car before fleeing the scene. Sharkey was found inside his crashed vehicle with a gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.

Cellphone data and bullet casings found at the scene led authorities to Huseynov. A search warrant executed on his cellphone placed him in the Platte County area on the day of the shooting, and a subsequent search of his residence uncovered a 9mm gun, ammunition, and magazine matching the items involved in the crime. Huseynov was arrested in June on an unrelated charge and is currently held in the Platte County Detention Center without bond.

Sharkey, a beloved son, cousin, and friend, was known for his work in journalism covering sports for various publications in Missouri and Kansas. He was remembered as a dedicated caretaker to his mother and a passionate sports fan. His most recent job was at SAS Merchandising representing Tyson’s Foods.

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to support Sharkey’s mother in the wake of this tragedy. The community mourns the loss of a talented journalist and devoted family member. The investigation into Sharkey’s death continues, and Huseynov awaits trial for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting.