On October 26, 2017, the community of Northeast Kansas City, Missouri, was shaken by the violent death of 55-year-old Harlan K. Dunbar. A well-known and beloved figure among the local homeless population near Lykins Square, Dunbar was often described by those who knew him as a 'protector' with a generous spirit. Although he struggled with personal challenges, friends remembered him as an educated man and a Navy veteran who would offer wisdom and watch over others in vulnerable situations.
His life was cut short on a Thursday afternoon when police were dispatched to the intersection of 7th Street and Norton Avenue following reports of gunfire.
Responding officers arrived at the scene around 2:21 p.m. to find the Black male victim lying in the roadway, suffering from fatal gunshot wounds. Despite the arrival of emergency medical personnel, Dunbar succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Witnesses provided harrowing accounts of the incident, describing a chaotic sequence of events that followed the shooting. According to statements given to investigators, a man armed with a gun was seen shooting Dunbar before turning his weapon on a bystander. The gunman reportedly forced a woman into her minivan at gunpoint, commanding her to drive him away from the crime scene to the area of 37th Street and Bales Avenue.
The investigation into the homicide continued for over a year before authorities announced a significant breakthrough. In February 2019, the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office filed formal charges against 27-year-old Anthony L. Robinson in connection with the slaying. Detectives had developed Robinson as a suspect and presented a photo lineup to witnesses, who identified him as the shooter. Robinson, who had been taken into custody on April 11, 2018, faced charges of second-degree murder and armed criminal action. Despite the witness identification, Robinson denied any involvement in the crime when questioned by detectives. The court set his bond at $250,000 as the legal process moved forward, seeking justice for the Navy veteran whose life ended on the streets he once walked.
