On what was supposed to be a milestone celebration, the life of Kimani Pouncil was tragically cut short. On October 16, 2008, his eighteenth birthday, his body was discovered in an alley near 34th and Wyoming in Kansas City, Missouri. It was determined that he had died from a gunshot wound to the leg. While he was found on the day he would have legally become an adult, his family remembers him as being seventeen at the time of his death.
Authorities believe that he was shot at a different location and his body was left in the alley.
Described as having a smile that could brighten up the world, Kimani was known for his lively personality and his love for everyone around him. He had a passion for style and aspired to one day own businesses and work in the clothing industry. The outpouring of grief from the community was evident at his funeral, which was so well-attended that many people were unable to fit inside the crowded service.
To this day, the case of Kimani Pouncil's death remains unsolved, with no arrests made and no suspects publicly identified. The investigation is considered a cold case. In the years since his passing, his family has channeled their grief into creating 'Kimani's Korner,' a non-profit organization dedicated to providing comfort and support to other families who have experienced the tragedy of homicide. They continue to honor his memory through balloon releases and gatherings, still hoping for the day that justice will be served. The Kansas City Missouri Police Department continues to seek information from the public regarding his case.
