On the evening of February 28, 2017, 36-year-old Julius D Harris was killed by gunfire while driving northbound on Bruce R. Watkins Drive (U.S. 71) in Kansas City, Missouri. Authorities responded to ShotSpotter alerts around 6:00 p.m. and found Harris’s SUV pulled over on the 39th Street exit ramp; he was the only occupant and had fatal gunshot wounds. Investigators reported evidence consistent with a rolling gun battle and suggested shots may have been fired from both Harris’s vehicle and another car, but no witnesses initially came forward to describe the shooting.

Family members portrayed Harris as a father of five who had recently returned to church and was rebuilding his life and business after a federal prison term; they disputed suggestions he had been armed or exchanging fire. He had been returning to his Kansas City, Kansas, shop after a meeting to pick up a car engine fell through. No arrests have been announced and the case remains unsolved. If anyone saw the shooting or witnessed activity on the highway that evening, please come forward with tips.