TOPEKA—Law enforcement authorities are investigating the 2017 cold case murder of Kianna C. Hodge, 18, of Topeka, and have arrested 19-year-old Javon A. Smith of Topeka.
Just before midnight March 4, 2017, police were dispatched to SE 23rd Street and SE Bellview Avenue in reference to shots fired in the area, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Koenen.
Five adults were injured as a result of the shooting. Police located Hodge in a vehicle near SE 6th Avenue and SE Deer Creek Trafficway. She was pronounced deceased by medical personnel at the scene.
The four other victims received non-life threatening injuries as a result of the shooting.
“Since 2017, investigators have worked diligently to bring justice to Hodge, the four other shooting victims and their families. I am pleased that today we can announce we have made an arrest in this case,” said Topeka Police Chief Bill Cochran. “Topekans should be very proud of all of the hard work investigators put into this case.”
Police booked Smith Thursday into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges that include 1st Degree Murder and Aggravated Battery.