May 13, 2020

Man released from Kan. prison last month arrested for woman's murder

Posted May 13, 2020 1:00 AM
Pankratz was released from prison in April, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections. He has previous convictions for robbery, aggravated assault, theft, and burglary.
Pankratz was released from prison in April, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections. He has previous convictions for robbery, aggravated assault, theft, and burglary.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have a suspect in custody.

Just after 9:30a.m. Sunday, police responded to call at a home in the 4900 block of East Murdock in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.

At the home, police located 36-year-old Sarah Phillips of Wichita unresponsive with trauma to her head.  She was pronounced deceased on the scene. 

On Sunday, investigators contacted 27-year-old  Isaac Pankratz at a home in the 2500 block of West Wildwood regarding the investigation.  He was arrested after being found in possession of a sawed-off shotgun.  The gun was recovered.

Through further investigation, it was learned the incident was a criminal homicide and that Pankratz and Phillips were both at the home on Murdock when he fired the shotgun, striking her and causing fatal injuries, according to Davidson.  Pankratz then fled the scene. 

Pankratz booking photo from Sedgwick County
Pankratz booking photo from Sedgwick County

This was not a random incident as Pankratz and Phillips are known to each other. Pankratz is being held on a charge of 1st-degree murder, according to Davidson.

He has been arrested and convicted of charges that include robbery, aggravated assault, theft, and burglary.

The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.