On the evening of February 10, 2025, a violent confrontation unfolded in the parking lot of Joe's Liquor and Convenience Store in the 8000 block of Hickman Mills Drive in Kansas City, Missouri. Zulfiqar 'Joe' N. Ladhani, a 64-year-old male who owned the establishment and was a well-known figure in the local community, was working when three individuals entered the store. The situation escalated after the group allegedly stole minor items, specifically bags of chips and a drink.
Ladhani followed the individuals out of the store to their vehicle, a white Ford Expedition, to confront them about the theft.
According to court documents, the store owner approached the SUV and pointed a pistol at the passenger who had taken the merchandise. The stolen items were handed back to Ladhani through the vehicle window, and the group began to pull away. However, as the vehicle started to leave, the situation took a deadly turn. Kevin L. Herring Jr., identified as the driver, stopped the SUV, exited the vehicle, and assumed a shooting stance. At the same time, Justin J. Arbee, seated in the passenger seat, also allegedly opened fire. Multiple gunshots were directed toward Ladhani, who was struck and collapsed in the parking lot still clutching the retrieved bags of chips. Emergency responders arrived shortly after 6 p.m., but Ladhani was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators used surveillance footage to track down the suspects involved in the shooting. The video evidence reportedly showed the sequence of events, including the theft and the subsequent exchange of gunfire. Kevin L. Herring Jr., 25, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder and armed criminal action in late February. During police interviews, Herring initially denied being at the scene but later admitted his presence after being shown the surveillance images, claiming the shooting was an unintended escalation after Ladhani had pointed a weapon at them.
Further police work led to the arrest of the second shooter, identified as 25-year-old Justin J. Arbee, who was taken into custody in early March. Prosecutors charged Arbee with second-degree murder and armed criminal action for his role in the homicide. A third individual who was in the back seat of the Expedition was also arrested shortly after the incident, though prosecutors did not immediately release his name or specific charges in connection with the murder. The death of the shop owner left a void in the neighborhood, where he was remembered by customers and friends as a cherished and generous member of the community.
