On the evening of March 2, 2020, a shooting shattered the quiet of the Grays Park Apartments in the Rosedale neighborhood of Kansas City, Kansas. When police responded to reports of gunfire around 10 p.m., they discovered the bodies of 19-year-old Julian Ponce-Frank and another young man, Abdu Wana, also 19, in the parking lot. Both men had been fatally wounded by gunshots.
The incident marked the sixth and seventh homicides in the city that year.
Julian, known affectionately as "Juju," was a beloved son, father, and friend. Born on January 11, 2001, he was known for his loyalty, sense of humor, and a smile that could light up a room. A talented athlete, he had been an undefeated wrestler in middle school. At the age of 16, Julian became a father to his son, Nathan, and was described as a great dad who was actively involved in his child's life. He worked diligently to support his son while completing his high school education at J.C. Harmon, where he graduated in 2019. He was known for his strong work ethic and was mechanically inclined.
The investigation into the deaths of Julian Ponce-Frank and Abdu Wana is ongoing. As of now, authorities have not publicly identified any suspects or made any arrests in connection with the double homicide. The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department's Criminal Investigations Division is handling the case and has encouraged anyone with information to contact the TIPS Hotline. The lack of resolution in the case has been a source of pain for the community, particularly for the families of the two young men whose lives were cut short.
