On a late Tuesday evening in Kansas City, Missouri, the sound of gunfire shattered the peace of the North Hyde Park neighborhood. When police responded to the calls just after 11 p.m. on March 18, 2025, they found a grim scene in the 3400 block of Harrison Street. Two men were discovered lying unresponsive in the street, both suffering from gunshot wounds.
One of the victims was identified as Jumah R. Mubarak, a 72-year-old Black/African American male.
The other man was 33-year-old Leander D. Wooden Jr. Emergency medical personnel arrived quickly and transported both men to a nearby hospital in a desperate attempt to save their lives. Tragically, their injuries proved too severe, and both Mubarak and Wooden were pronounced dead.
The Kansas City Police Department immediately launched a homicide investigation into the double slaying. Detectives began canvassing the area for potential witnesses and searching for any evidence that might shed light on the circumstances that led to the fatal shooting. At this time, authorities have not released any information regarding a potential suspect or suspects in the case, and no arrests have been made.
The deaths of Jumah Mubarak and Leander Wooden Jr. marked the 27th and 28th homicides in Kansas City for the year 2025. Police are urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward and contact the homicide detectives directly or to provide anonymous tips through the TIPS Hotline. A significant reward of up to $25,000 is being offered for information that leads to an arrest in the case. The investigation remains active as community members and law enforcement alike seek answers and justice for the two men whose lives were cut short by violence.
