Kansas City Woman Charged in Fatal Shooting Outside Business
In what has become yet another tragic and unsettling chapter in the story of Kansas City, a young woman has been charged in connection with the deadly shooting of a local entrepreneur. Kandi J. Galaviz, 24, is facing serious charges, including second-degree murder and armed criminal action, following the incident that took the life of Waleed Marwan Shaban, 34, outside his business last week.
The Incident
The heart-wrenching events unfolded on November 14, around 12:48 p.m., in the Broadway Gillham neighborhood of Kansas City. Police were called to a business located in the 300 block of East Linwood Boulevard and found Shaban lying in the parking lot with a gunshot wound to his chest. Unfortunately, despite the prompt arrival of Kansas City Fire Department medics at around 1 p.m., Shaban was pronounced dead at the scene.
Eyewitness Accounts
Several witnesses saw the shocking confrontation, including an employee of Shaban’s business. This employee recounted how Galaviz arrived at the scene in a maroon Cadillac, seemingly unassuming at first. She even casually asked him what time he got off work, expressing concern that he might “get caught in this crossfire.”
Things escalated quickly, though, and the employee reported overhearing an argument between Galaviz and Shaban that became heated. “Square up and do something,” is what another witness said they heard Galaviz shout during the argument. As tensions flared, Shaban reportedly pushed Galaviz to the ground, prompting her to pull out a handgun and shoot him at point-blank range.
The Aftermath
After the chaos, the driver of the Cadillac, who was with Galaviz that day, informed police that she had asked to stop by the business to pick up some items from another vehicle. It was noted that *missing items* from the car sparked the argument, leading to the tragic outcome. The confrontation was even caught on surveillance cameras at the business, providing further evidence for law enforcement.
Who Was Waleed Shaban?
Waleed Shaban was not just another name; he was a well-respected figure in the community. Born and raised in Hutchinson, Kansas, he was known for his *warm personality and infectious smile*, which could brighten anyone’s day. Shaban was an entrepreneur with a variety of business interests ranging from real estate to auto sales. He had an educational background in electrical engineering from Hutchinson Community College and Wichita State University.
Friends and family fondly remembered him as someone who enjoyed spending time with his loved ones, playing the piano, and, fittingly, taking things apart just to build them back better. “We won’t be the same without you habibi, but we will try our best,” his obituary poignantly stated.
Legal Proceedings
As for Galaviz, she had previously entered a guilty plea for theft in Excelsior Springs, an indication that she has a history with law enforcement. Currently, she is being held on a $250,000 bond and is expected to appear in court again at 10 a.m. on November 26 for a bond review hearing. Meanwhile, Jackson County officials are considering whether she may qualify for house arrest.
This tragic shooting marks the 136th homicide reported in Kansas City for 2024, revealing a worrying trend in the city’s safety statistics. Just last year, by the same time, there had been 164 homicides, illustrating the community’s ongoing struggles with violence.
As the investigation continues, hearts in Kansas City are heavy, mourning a life cut short and affected by the ripple effects of violence.
