In the early hours of a Saturday in Kansas City, Missouri, the sound of gunshots pierced the night, leading to the discovery of a life cut tragically short. On June 23, 2018, police officers patrolling the area near the 3100 block of East Linwood Boulevard were drawn by the sound of gunfire shortly before 1 a.m.. Their investigation led them to a grim scene outside a home, where they found 30-year-old Justin Powell, a male, who had been fatally shot. His body was discovered in the driveway of an abandoned house at the intersection of Linwood Boulevard and Agnes Avenue.
Justin Powell, known to some by the nickname 'J-ROCK' or 'Buster,' was a father of three who, despite having faced challenges and having a criminal record, was deeply loved by his family. His sister recalled that he kept his street life separate from his family life and that they were unaware of the friendships he maintained outside of their circle. In the days leading up to his death, he was planning a birthday party for his son.
The investigation into Powell's death was immediately classified as a homicide. Detectives canvassed the neighborhood, knocking on doors and seeking information from residents, as Powell was known to frequent the area where he was killed. Despite their efforts and public pleas from both the police and Powell's grieving family, the case has grown cold. Witnesses reported seeing a dark-colored car leaving the area around the time of the shooting, but no specific suspect description has been released, and no arrests have been made in connection with the murder. The case remains an unsolved homicide, leaving a void in the lives of his family who continue to hope for justice.
