Zach Murdock is a writer and former journalist based in Kansas City after nearly a decade of reporting up and down the east coast. His work has appeared in The Kansas City Star, Hartford Courant, Sarasota Herald-Tribune and dozens of newspapers across the country.

With a focus on criminal justice, youth gun violence, homelessness and holding local public officials accountable, his reporting has earned him accolades from three state chapters of the Society of Professional Journalists.

You can also connect with him on Twitter and Facebook at @zach_murdock and facebook.com/ByZachMurdock.