KC Police reopen 40 year old murder case of powerful political leader

KANSAS CITY, Missouri - Solving a 40 year old murder case would be a daunting task. But Kansas City police say they are up to the challenge.

“It’s challenging now but we're optimistic,” says police spokesman Capt. Rich Lockhart after the announcement that the department will reopen the murder investigation of Leon Jordan .

In turbulent times, Leon Jordan became a police officer, a Missouri lawmaker and founder of the black political club, Freedom, Inc.

Jordan was murder in July, 1970 outside the Green Duck Club at 25th and Prospect Avenue in Kansas City.

Recently, following the Kansas City Star's 40th anniversary coverage, investigators made a crucial discovery.

The gun used in the murder was actually being used by Kansas City police.

"There’s some point, either it was sold and we bought it back or it was transferred from our property room to our supply section where it was issued out to an officer for a duty shot gun,” Lockhart said.

Police even used the gun in the shooting of an armed man in November, 1997.

Thursday, local civil rights leaders gathered to announce their reaction to the news that the case will be reexamined.

Alvin Sykes has pushed police to reopen the case. He has a strong warning for anyone involved.

Sykes says, "You need to get you a defense attorney now, approach the prosecution and try to work out a deal. This is a manhunt that is not going to quit.”

Police say they want to reexamine evidence such as finger print cards.

Investigators hope current technology will shed new light on the evidence, which could lead to an arrest.