RUSELL COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a driver who was allegedly impaired and driving far over the speed limit on Mother's Day.

Just after 10a.m. Sunday, Troopers clocked a vehicle traveling on Interstate 70 in Russell County at 110mph, according to a media release.

KHP conducted a traffic stop near Center Township, 193rd Street and determined the driver identified as 41-year-old Carie M. Ketterer-Schaefer of Wentzville, Missouri, was under the influence of alcohol or drugs. She was arrested and booked into the Russell Co. Jail on a requested charges of DUI.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684178276852.png" alt="Ketterer-Schaefer-photo Russell Co." />
 <figcaption>Ketterer-Schaefer-photo Russell Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>RUSELL COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a driver who was allegedly impaired and driving far over the speed limit on Mother's Day.Just after 10a.m. Sunday, Troopers clocked a vehicle traveling on Interstate 70 in Russell County at 110mph, according to a media release.KHP conducted a traffic stop near Center Township, 193rd Street and determined the driver identified as 41-year-old Carie M. Ketterer-Schaefer of Wentzville, Missouri, was under the influence of alcohol or drugs. She was arrested and booked into the Russell Co. Jail on a requested charges of DUI.&nbsp;

KHP: Woman driving 110mph on I-70 jailed for alleged DUI

SHAWNEE COUNTY–Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal shooting in Topeka have made another arrest

Just before 3:30 p.m. April 18, police responded to report of a shooting in the 900 block of SW 17th Street in Topeka, according to Lt. Ron Ekis.

Officers located an man later identified as 55-year-old Troy Shepard of Topeka suffering from a life threatening gunshot wound. He was transported by ambulance to a local hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.&nbsp;

On. April 20, police arrested&nbsp;32-year-old Christopher F. Ray of Topeka in connection with the killing. He is being held on a first degree murder charge.

On Friday police arrested 24-year-old Daniel Gallow for Criminal possession of a firearm, possession of stolen property and Misdemeanor Warrant. While he was still in custody, police asked for additional charges of of Murder in the 1st degree and Criminal Possession of a weapon by a felon in connection with Shepard's killing.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684174299931.png" alt="Gallow-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Gallow-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY–Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal shooting in Topeka have made another arrestJust before 3:30 p.m. April 18, police responded to report of a shooting in the 900 block of SW 17th Street in Topeka, according to Lt. Ron Ekis.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681864464057.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation in April-photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation in April-photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>Officers located an man later identified as 55-year-old Troy Shepard of Topeka suffering from a life threatening gunshot wound. He was transported by ambulance to a local hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681931386406.png" alt="Ray-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Ray-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>On. April 20, police arrested&nbsp;32-year-old Christopher F. Ray of Topeka in connection with the killing. He is being held on a first degree murder charge.On Friday police arrested 24-year-old Daniel Gallow for Criminal possession of a firearm, possession of stolen property and Misdemeanor Warrant. While he was still in custody, police asked for additional charges of of Murder in the 1st degree and Criminal Possession of a weapon by a felon in connection with Shepard's killing.

2nd Kansas suspect accused of role in man's murder

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two Kansas men on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.

Just before 4a.m. May 11, a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) deputy with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on a white 2000 Ford F-150 pickup truck causing a traffic hazard near NW Gordon Street and NW Van Buren Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

Two men were attempting to unload a spray painted black motorcycle from the bed of the pickup truck.

During the investigation, a K9 Unit was utilized and illegal narcotics were located. An illegal sawed off shotgun was also located and the motorcycle was reported stolen out of Shawnee County.

Deputies arrested Scott L. Kemble, 51, of Scranton, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of distribution of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of stolen property, criminal use of a weapon and criminal possession of a weapon.

David L. Newton Jr., 53, of Topeka was arrested and booked on requested charges of distribution of methamphetamine, distribution of marijuana, possession of stolen property, possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia and distributing certain depressants.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684010058977.png" alt="Newton-photo Shawnee Xo." />
 <figcaption>Newton-photo Shawnee Xo.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two Kansas men on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.Just before 4a.m. May 11, a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) deputy with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on a white 2000 Ford F-150 pickup truck causing a traffic hazard near NW Gordon Street and NW Van Buren Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.Two men were attempting to unload a spray painted black motorcycle from the bed of the pickup truck.During the investigation, a K9 Unit was utilized and illegal narcotics were located. An illegal sawed off shotgun was also located and the motorcycle was reported stolen out of Shawnee County.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684010038993.png" alt="Kemble photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Kemble photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Deputies arrested Scott L. Kemble, 51, of Scranton, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of distribution of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of stolen property, criminal use of a weapon and criminal possession of a weapon.David L. Newton Jr., 53, of Topeka was arrested and booked on requested charges of distribution of methamphetamine, distribution of marijuana, possession of stolen property, possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia and distributing certain depressants.

Kan. deputies found sawed off shotgun, stolen motorcycle

KINGMAN COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a series of vandalism in the city of Kingman have made an arrest.

The vandalism including breaking shop windows, other glass items and damaging merchandise occurred early Saturday, according to a social media report from the city.

Cleo's Flower Shop, 229 North Main is one of over a dozen businesses damaged downtown and along U.S. 54, according to a social media statement from the business.

According to online jail records, 37-year-old Carl Sowers was booked into the Kingman County jail just before 6a.m. on Saturday. Authorities have not indicated what charges he may face.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684068536167.png" alt="Photos courtesy Cleo's Flower Shop in Kingman" />
 <figcaption>Photos courtesy Cleo's Flower Shop in Kingman</figcaption>
 </figure>KINGMAN COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a series of vandalism in the city of Kingman have made an arrest.The vandalism including breaking shop windows, other glass items and damaging merchandise occurred early Saturday, according to a social media report from the city.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684068515417.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Cleo's Flower Shop, 229 North Main is one of over a dozen businesses damaged downtown and along U.S. 54, according to a social media statement from the business.According to online jail records, 37-year-old Carl Sowers was booked into the Kingman County jail just before 6a.m. on Saturday. Authorities have not indicated what charges he may face.

Businesses cleaning up from vandalism in Kingman

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug and weapons charges.

Just before 9:30 a.m. May 5, a narcotics search warrant was executed by the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team after the Narcotics Section developed information that a residence in the 1800 block of South Topeka in Wichita was involved in the distribution of Methamphetamines, according to a media release.

 During the execution of the warrant, Wichita Police sized over ½ pounds of Methamphetamines, 700+ Percocet 30 pills, 3 ounces of marijuana, 2 handguns, 1 rifle, and over $2,300 in cash.

Police arrested 22-year-old Jose Aguilar on requested charges of distribution of methamphetamine, felon in possession of a firearm, possession of paraphernalia, and one KDOC warrant. 

They also arrested 33-year-old Max Carbajal on requested charges of distribution of methamphetamine, criminal possession of a firearm and possession of paraphernalia.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683917917074.png" alt="Photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug and weapons charges.Just before 9:30 a.m. May 5, a narcotics search warrant was executed by the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team after the Narcotics Section developed information that a residence in the 1800 block of South Topeka in Wichita was involved in the distribution of Methamphetamines, according to a media release.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683917898309.png" alt="Photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure> During the execution of the warrant, Wichita Police sized over ½ pounds of Methamphetamines, 700+ Percocet 30 pills, 3 ounces of marijuana, 2 handguns, 1 rifle, and over $2,300 in cash.Police arrested 22-year-old Jose Aguilar on requested charges of distribution of methamphetamine, felon in possession of a firearm, possession of paraphernalia, and one KDOC warrant. They also arrested 33-year-old Max Carbajal on requested charges of distribution of methamphetamine, criminal possession of a firearm and possession of paraphernalia.&nbsp;

Police seize 700 Percocet 30 pills, guns and cash from Kan. home

KANSAS CITY – A dozen Kansas City metropolitan residents have been indicted for their roles in a conspiracy that resulted in nearly $250,000 in fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans being issued under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, according to the United State's Attorney.

Renetta Golden-Larimore, 54, Don A. Baker, 47, Stephan Booth, 40, Candace E. Hill-Williams, 25, Reisjon Larimore, 25, Teiara M. Mercer, 23, Padgit L. Smith, 48, Joseph Valdivia III, 45, Salvadore Valdivia, 41, and Mone’y C. Woods, 21, all of Kansas City, Mo.; Cameron P. Henderson, 27, of Independence, Mo.; and Roger Larimore, 27, of Raytown, Mo., were charged in a 13-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on April 26, 2023. The indictment was unsealed and made public Tuesday upon the arrests and initial court appearances of several defendants.

According to the indictment, Golden-Larimore prepared and filed fraudulent PPP loan applications on behalf of the other co-conspirators. She allegedly received payments between $2,000 and $7,000 from the loan proceeds for her assistance in filing false and fraudulent PPP loan applications. 

Golden-Larimore created counterfeit IRS forms for nonexistent businesses, the indictment says, and inflated income for existing businesses in order to qualify the borrower for a PPP loan.

Each of the defendants received a PPP loan of either $20,832 or $20,833.

In addition to the conspiracy, Golden-Larimore is charged with 12 counts of wire fraud. Each of the remaining defendants are also charged with aiding and abetting her in one of those wire fraud counts for the fraudulent loan they received.

The indictment also contains a forfeiture allegation, which would require each of the defendants to forfeit to the government any property obtained from the proceeds of the alleged offenses, including a money judgment of $20,832 for each defendant.

In a separate case that arose from the federal investigation, Theresa R. Griswold, 42, of Olathe, Kansas, has pleaded guilty to wire fraud after obtaining a fraudulent PPP loan during this conspiracy. Griswold admitted she received a fraudulent $20,832 PPP loan.

The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul S. Becker. It was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588075781384.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY – A dozen Kansas City metropolitan residents have been indicted for their roles in a conspiracy that resulted in nearly $250,000 in fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans being issued under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, according to the United State's Attorney.Renetta Golden-Larimore, 54, Don A. Baker, 47, Stephan Booth, 40, Candace E. Hill-Williams, 25, Reisjon Larimore, 25, Teiara M. Mercer, 23, Padgit L. Smith, 48, Joseph Valdivia III, 45, Salvadore Valdivia, 41, and Mone’y C. Woods, 21, all of Kansas City, Mo.; Cameron P. Henderson, 27, of Independence, Mo.; and Roger Larimore, 27, of Raytown, Mo., were charged in a 13-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on April 26, 2023. The indictment was unsealed and made public Tuesday upon the arrests and initial court appearances of several defendants.According to the indictment, Golden-Larimore prepared and filed fraudulent PPP loan applications on behalf of the other co-conspirators. She allegedly received payments between $2,000 and $7,000 from the loan proceeds for her assistance in filing false and fraudulent PPP loan applications. Golden-Larimore created counterfeit IRS forms for nonexistent businesses, the indictment says, and inflated income for existing businesses in order to qualify the borrower for a PPP loan.Each of the defendants received a PPP loan of either $20,832 or $20,833.In addition to the conspiracy, Golden-Larimore is charged with 12 counts of wire fraud. Each of the remaining defendants are also charged with aiding and abetting her in one of those wire fraud counts for the fraudulent loan they received.The indictment also contains a forfeiture allegation, which would require each of the defendants to forfeit to the government any property obtained from the proceeds of the alleged offenses, including a money judgment of $20,832 for each defendant.In a separate case that arose from the federal investigation, Theresa R. Griswold, 42, of Olathe, Kansas, has pleaded guilty to wire fraud after obtaining a fraudulent PPP loan during this conspiracy. Griswold admitted she received a fraudulent $20,832 PPP loan.The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul S. Becker. It was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.

12 KC-area residents indicted in COVID fraud conspiracy

WICHITA, KAN. – A man has been sentenced after sexually assaulting three women in one day during the summer of 2021.

 District Judge Faith Maughan sentenced 28-year-old Andrew Jones, 28 of Wichita, to 95 months in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's offie.

On July 1, 2021, Jones grabbed two women inside Towne East Square shopping mall in east Wichita. After the assaults at Towne East, a third woman was removing groceries from her car on E. Morris Street when a man grabbed her in a sexual manner.

The woman yelled for her husband who chased the man before he stopped and pointed a knife at the husband.

That same day, an officer spotted a man wearing a gray hoodie and shorts who matched the description of the suspect in the sexual assaults. The officer chased the man later identified as Jones over a mile before he entered a house in the 8000 block of E. Gilbert.

When the suspect threatened to shoot the officer, he backed off. Other officers later entered the home and arrested Jones.

On March 9, Jones pled no contest to attempted rape, two counts of aggravated sexual battery, and criminal threat.

Along with the prison sentence, Judge Maughan ordered Jones to serve lifetime post release and offender registration.

Lifetime post release requires the Department of Corrections to watch him the rest of his life. Jones is subject to conditions on the release. If he violates those conditions, he could be sent back to prison.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683834580237.png" alt="Jones-photo KBI offender registry" />
 <figcaption>Jones-photo KBI offender registry</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, KAN. – A man has been sentenced after sexually assaulting three women in one day during the summer of 2021. District Judge Faith Maughan sentenced 28-year-old Andrew Jones, 28 of Wichita, to 95 months in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's offie.On July 1, 2021, Jones grabbed two women inside Towne East Square shopping mall in east Wichita. After the assaults at Towne East, a third woman was removing groceries from her car on E. Morris Street when a man grabbed her in a sexual manner.The woman yelled for her husband who chased the man before he stopped and pointed a knife at the husband.That same day, an officer spotted a man wearing a gray hoodie and shorts who matched the description of the suspect in the sexual assaults. The officer chased the man later identified as Jones over a mile before he entered a house in the 8000 block of E. Gilbert.When the suspect threatened to shoot the officer, he backed off. Other officers later entered the home and arrested Jones.On March 9, Jones pled no contest to attempted rape, two counts of aggravated sexual battery, and criminal threat.Along with the prison sentence, Judge Maughan ordered Jones to serve lifetime post release and offender registration.Lifetime post release requires the Department of Corrections to watch him the rest of his life. Jones is subject to conditions on the release. If he violates those conditions, he could be sent back to prison.

Kan. man admits committing series of sex crimes on same day 

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating four suspects on drug allegations.

On May 11, members of the Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit and Shawnee County Drug Task Force served a search warrant in the 2600 Block SE Adams Street in Topeka in reference an ongoing investigation, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

While conducting the search warrant, officers located marijuana, methamphetamine, firearms and drug paraphernalia.

As a result, 28-year-old Dakota Lehrbach; 26-year-old Steven Thorne, 34-year-old Kimber Jameson and 24-year-old&nbsp; Tieler Lay were transported to the Shawnee Co. Dept. of Corrections.

Dakota Lehrbach is being held on requested charges of Distribution of methamphetamine within 1000’ of a school, Criminal possession of a weapon by a felon, Possession of drug paraphernalia with intent

Steven Thorne is jailed on requested charges of Distribution of methamphetamine within 1000’ of a school and Criminal possession of a weapon by a felon.

Kimber Jameson remains jails on requested charges of Distribution of methamphetamine within 1000’ of a school and Tieler Lay was booked on Two arrest warrants.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683899291704.png" alt="Lehrbach-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Lehrbach-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating four suspects on drug allegations.On May 11, members of the Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit and Shawnee County Drug Task Force served a search warrant in the 2600 Block SE Adams Street in Topeka in reference an ongoing investigation, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.While conducting the search warrant, officers located marijuana, methamphetamine, firearms and drug paraphernalia.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683899367358.png" alt="Jameson-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Jameson-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>As a result, 28-year-old Dakota Lehrbach; 26-year-old Steven Thorne, 34-year-old Kimber Jameson and 24-year-old&nbsp; Tieler Lay were transported to the Shawnee Co. Dept. of Corrections.Dakota Lehrbach is being held on requested charges of Distribution of methamphetamine within 1000’ of a school, Criminal possession of a weapon by a felon, Possession of drug paraphernalia with intent<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683899274006.png" alt="Thorne-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Thorne-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Steven Thorne is jailed on requested charges of Distribution of methamphetamine within 1000’ of a school and Criminal possession of a weapon by a felon.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683899408974.png" alt="Lay-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Lay-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Kimber Jameson remains jails on requested charges of Distribution of methamphetamine within 1000’ of a school and Tieler Lay was booked on Two arrest warrants.

Kansas drug task force makes meth bust near school

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating&nbsp; a suspect on multiple allegations after he jumped from a stolen vehicle. Just before 10:30p.m. May 5, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a&nbsp; 1993 Honda Accord for failing to have a working taillight near NE Gordon Street and NE Monroe Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

 The vehicle also came back as stolen out of Lawrence. The driver later identified as 38-year-old Shawn M. Wood, refused to stop and as the vehicle entered the intersection, the driver jumped out and fled on foot. 

The vehicle continued onto a curb, into the grass and ultimately came to rest back in the roadway. The driver was quickly apprehended in the backyard of a residence in the 900 block of NE Madison Street. During the investigation, deputies found illegal narcotics. Deputies arrested and booked Wood into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections. He also had felony warrant out of another state and is being held on requested charges of interference with law enforcement, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, license plate not assigned, operating a motor vehicle without a valid license and defective tag lamps.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683735803554.png" alt="Wood-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Wood-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating&nbsp; a suspect on multiple allegations after he jumped from a stolen vehicle. Just before 10:30p.m. May 5, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a&nbsp; 1993 Honda Accord for failing to have a working taillight near NE Gordon Street and NE Monroe Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. The vehicle also came back as stolen out of Lawrence. The driver later identified as 38-year-old Shawn M. Wood, refused to stop and as the vehicle entered the intersection, the driver jumped out and fled on foot. The vehicle continued onto a curb, into the grass and ultimately came to rest back in the roadway. The driver was quickly apprehended in the backyard of a residence in the 900 block of NE Madison Street. During the investigation, deputies found illegal narcotics. Deputies arrested and booked Wood into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections. He also had felony warrant out of another state and is being held on requested charges of interference with law enforcement, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, license plate not assigned, operating a motor vehicle without a valid license and defective tag lamps.

Driver jumped from reported stolen car during pursuit

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a homicide at a Kansas home have identified the man who died as 56-year-old Alonzo E. Mosley of Kansas City, Kansas.

Just before 2p.m. Tuesday, police responded to report of a shooting in the 2200 Block of North 56th Terrace, according to a media release. Officers found Mosley inside the home. He had been struck by gunfire. First responders attempted life saving measures but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police released no suspect information and have not reported an arrest.

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a homicide at a Kansas home have identified the man who died as 56-year-old Alonzo E. Mosley of Kansas City, Kansas.Just before 2p.m. Tuesday, police responded to report of a shooting in the 2200 Block of North 56th Terrace, according to a media release. Officers found Mosley inside the home. He had been struck by gunfire. First responders attempted life saving measures but he was pronounced dead at the scene.Police released no suspect information and have not reported an arrest.

Police ID man who died in shooting at Kansas home

FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a series of auto thefts&nbsp; and have made an arrest.

Just after 10:30 p.m., May 7, police were dispatched to 4101 E. Highway 50 in Garden City for an auto theft that just occurred. The reporting party told officers they were followed home by a pickup, and an occupant of the pickup stole their vehicle.

On Tuesday, police located the stolen vehicle in the 500 block of Chesterfield Drive in Garden City. Investigators checked the area and located the pickup involved in the auto theft the night before. 

Investigators learned the pickup was also stolen and identified 21-year-old Jose Razo as the suspect. Police later found Razo hiding in a garage in the 500 block of Eugene Place. 

After a brief struggle, Razo was taken into custody. He is being held on requested charges of Auto Theft, Five Counts of Auto Burglary,&nbsp; Possession of Stolen Property, Interference LEO, Criminal Trespass. The Finney County Sheriff’s Office and Kansas Highway Patrol assisted in the arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683726114701.png" alt="Razo-photo Finney Co." />
 <figcaption>Razo-photo Finney Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a series of auto thefts&nbsp; and have made an arrest.Just after 10:30 p.m., May 7, police were dispatched to 4101 E. Highway 50 in Garden City for an auto theft that just occurred. The reporting party told officers they were followed home by a pickup, and an occupant of the pickup stole their vehicle.On Tuesday, police located the stolen vehicle in the 500 block of Chesterfield Drive in Garden City. Investigators checked the area and located the pickup involved in the auto theft the night before. Investigators learned the pickup was also stolen and identified 21-year-old Jose Razo as the suspect. Police later found Razo hiding in a garage in the 500 block of Eugene Place. After a brief struggle, Razo was taken into custody. He is being held on requested charges of Auto Theft, Five Counts of Auto Burglary,&nbsp; Possession of Stolen Property, Interference LEO, Criminal Trespass. The Finney County Sheriff’s Office and Kansas Highway Patrol assisted in the arrest.

Police find alleged SW Kansas auto theft suspect hiding in garage

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have made an arrest with the help of citizens near the scene.

Just 7:00 pm. on Wednesday, police were dispatched to report of a shooting in the area of Rutan and Sunnybrook in Wichita, according to Officer&nbsp;Kristopher Gupilan.

First responders located 31-year-old Chance Martin who had suffered a gunshot wound to the upper body. Officers began life saving measures. Martin was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased, according to Gupilan.

The investigation revealed that 24-year-old Angel Lara and another individual had an altercation with Martin which led to Lara brandishing a gun and shooting Martin. Witnesses on scene provided information on Lara’s vehicle.&nbsp; The information and the&nbsp;FLOCK system, allowed police to locate Lara's vehicle in the 900 block of W. 47th Street South in Wichita.

Officers took him into custody without incident. He is being held on a requested charge of 2nd degree murder.

This investigation would not have been solved so quickly without the help of the vigilant citizens on scene, according to Gupilan.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683821359235.png" alt="This blurry booking photo is the only one available early Thursday from Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>This blurry booking photo is the only one available early Thursday from Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have made an arrest with the help of citizens near the scene.Just 7:00 pm. on Wednesday, police were dispatched to report of a shooting in the area of Rutan and Sunnybrook in Wichita, according to Officer&nbsp;Kristopher Gupilan.First responders located 31-year-old Chance Martin who had suffered a gunshot wound to the upper body. Officers began life saving measures. Martin was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased, according to Gupilan.The investigation revealed that 24-year-old Angel Lara and another individual had an altercation with Martin which led to Lara brandishing a gun and shooting Martin. Witnesses on scene provided information on Lara’s vehicle.&nbsp; The information and the&nbsp;FLOCK system, allowed police to locate Lara's vehicle in the 900 block of W. 47th Street South in Wichita.Officers took him into custody without incident. He is being held on a requested charge of 2nd degree murder.This investigation would not have been solved so quickly without the help of the vigilant citizens on scene, according to Gupilan.

Police: Witnesses on scene led to Kansas murder arrest

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

A Salina man was arrested after a stabbing incident at the Central Mall Wednesday night.

Officers were dispatched at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday to the Central Mall, 2259 S. Ninth Street, for the report of a stabbing. The officers made contact with a mall security guard who told them she had been approached by several teens who told her of an adult male who was attempting to give them cigarettes and who invited them to his residence, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.

One of the teens called his father, Kenneth Brown, 41, of Salina, who showed up a short while later, confronted the man on the east side of Ross Dress for Less and told him to leave the teens alone, Forrester said.

The man, later identified as Michael Lilly, 61, of Salina, took a couple of swings at Brown, who then punched Lilly in the face, knocking him to the ground, Forrester said.

Brown turned to walk away and then realized that when Lilly had swung at him, he had done so with a knife. Brown discovered that he had two stab wounds in his side. Brown was transported to Salina Regional Health Center, where it was discovered that he also was suffering from a punctured lung, Forrester said.

In the meantime, Lilly had walked through Ross Dress for Less and was located in the center part of the mall. Forrester said Lilly was found to be in possession of a large, fixed-blade knife.

Lilly was arrested on a requested charge of aggravated battery, Forrester said.&nbsp; He has previous convictions for aggravated battery and criminal threat, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683906089628.png" alt="Lilly has previous convictions for aggravated battery and criminal threat, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections -photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Lilly has previous convictions for aggravated battery and criminal threat, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections -photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostA Salina man was arrested after a stabbing incident at the Central Mall Wednesday night.Officers were dispatched at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday to the Central Mall, 2259 S. Ninth Street, for the report of a stabbing. The officers made contact with a mall security guard who told them she had been approached by several teens who told her of an adult male who was attempting to give them cigarettes and who invited them to his residence, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.One of the teens called his father, Kenneth Brown, 41, of Salina, who showed up a short while later, confronted the man on the east side of Ross Dress for Less and told him to leave the teens alone, Forrester said.The man, later identified as Michael Lilly, 61, of Salina, took a couple of swings at Brown, who then punched Lilly in the face, knocking him to the ground, Forrester said.Brown turned to walk away and then realized that when Lilly had swung at him, he had done so with a knife. Brown discovered that he had two stab wounds in his side. Brown was transported to Salina Regional Health Center, where it was discovered that he also was suffering from a punctured lung, Forrester said.In the meantime, Lilly had walked through Ross Dress for Less and was located in the center part of the mall. Forrester said Lilly was found to be in possession of a large, fixed-blade knife.Lilly was arrested on a requested charge of aggravated battery, Forrester said.&nbsp; He has previous convictions for aggravated battery and criminal threat, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

Kansas felon accused of stabbing man at Salina Mall

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Officials in Missouri's largest city are moving to declare it a sanctuary for people seeking or providing gender-affirming care, defying state officials who are intent on banning it for minors and restricting it for adults.

A Kansas City Council committee approved such a resolution Wednesday. The full council will now consider it Thursday. The council members acted as the Republican-controlled Missouri Legislature gave final approval to a bill banning gender-affirming care for transgender minors, sending it to GOP Gov. Mike Parson, who is expected to sign it into law. At least 16 other states have enacted laws restricting or banning such care for minors.

The resolution also comes as a judge considers a proposed emergency rule from Republican state Attorney General Andrew Bailey that would require adults and children to undergo more than a year of therapy and fulfill other requirements before they could receive gender-affirming treatment.

"This resolution is an entrance into a conversation and shows a commitment where trans people's presence in Kansas City is valued," Merrique Jenson, a transgender woman and founder of Transformations KC, a nonprofit that advocates for trans women of color, told the council committee. "It would minimize the legal violence toward trans people in accessing gender-affirming care."

The resolution, approved by the Transportation, Infrastructure and Operations Committee after being proposed by LGTBQ advocates, says the city will not prosecute or fine any person or organization that seeks, provides, receives or helps someone receive gender-affirming care such as as puberty blockers, hormones or surgery.

It also says if the state passes a law or resolution that imposes criminal or civil punishments, fines, or professional sanctions in such cases, personnel in Missouri's largest city will make enforcing those requirements "their lowest priority."

During the committee's debate, council members agreed that Kansas City should be welcoming, but council member Heather Hall questioned whether the issue was "a city conversation," adding, "This is us getting out of our lane."

Council member Melissa Robinson had questions about how being a sanctuary city would "play out" and worried about "the damage that comes back to the city" from the state.

But she backed the resolution after saying, "I do believe in good trouble, and this might just be one of those lines of good trouble."

Kansas City's proposal is coming from a Democratic-leaning city in a state with a Republican governor and GOP-controlled Legislature. In Texas, the state capital of Austin declared last year that it should be considered a sanctuary for transgender youth and their families, and Harris County, home to Houston, declared it wouldn't pursue cases against parents over gender-affirming care.

California,Minnesota and Washington have declared themselves sanctuary states for gender-affirming care, as have the cities of Chicago; Minneapolis, Minnesota; and West Hollywood, California.

Republican state lawmakers across the U.S. who've attacked gender-affirming care as part of a larger effort to roll back LGBTQ+ rights have argued that they're protecting children from decisions they may later regret. But gender-affirming care for minors has been available in the U.S. for more than a decade and is endorsed by major medical associations.

The resolution also says city personnel will not arrest or detain anyone sought by another jurisdiction for seeking gender-affirming care, respond to requests for information from other jurisdictions, or collect any civil penalties in such cases.

Supporters noted that Kansas City's police force is controlled by a state-appointed Board of Police Commissioners and any possible criminal charges in gender-affirming cases would be filed by the county prosecutor rather than city prosecutors — both of which could make enforcing the resolution problematic.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683748451184.png" alt="The resolution making Kansas City a sanctuary city for gender-affirming care was unanimously voted out of committee Wednesday. A large crowd attended the meeting. This legislation heads to the full Kansas City Council for a vote Thursday at 3p.m. Photo by Councilwoman Andrea Bough courtesy Justice Horn, chair of the LGBTQ Commission" />
 <figcaption>The resolution making Kansas City a sanctuary city for gender-affirming care was unanimously voted out of committee Wednesday. A large crowd attended the meeting. This legislation heads to the full Kansas City Council for a vote Thursday at 3p.m. Photo by Councilwoman Andrea Bough courtesy Justice Horn, chair of the LGBTQ Commission</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNA and MARGARET STAFFORDKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Officials in Missouri's largest city are moving to declare it a sanctuary for people seeking or providing gender-affirming care, defying state officials who are intent on banning it for minors and restricting it for adults.A Kansas City Council committee approved such a resolution Wednesday. The full council will now consider it Thursday. The council members acted as the Republican-controlled Missouri Legislature gave final approval to a bill banning gender-affirming care for transgender minors, sending it to GOP Gov. Mike Parson, who is expected to sign it into law. At least 16 other states have enacted laws restricting or banning such care for minors.The resolution also comes as a judge considers a proposed emergency rule from Republican state Attorney General Andrew Bailey that would require adults and children to undergo more than a year of therapy and fulfill other requirements before they could receive gender-affirming treatment."This resolution is an entrance into a conversation and shows a commitment where trans people's presence in Kansas City is valued," Merrique Jenson, a transgender woman and founder of Transformations KC, a nonprofit that advocates for trans women of color, told the council committee. "It would minimize the legal violence toward trans people in accessing gender-affirming care."The resolution, approved by the Transportation, Infrastructure and Operations Committee after being proposed by LGTBQ advocates, says the city will not prosecute or fine any person or organization that seeks, provides, receives or helps someone receive gender-affirming care such as as puberty blockers, hormones or surgery.It also says if the state passes a law or resolution that imposes criminal or civil punishments, fines, or professional sanctions in such cases, personnel in Missouri's largest city will make enforcing those requirements "their lowest priority."During the committee's debate, council members agreed that Kansas City should be welcoming, but council member Heather Hall questioned whether the issue was "a city conversation," adding, "This is us getting out of our lane."Council member Melissa Robinson had questions about how being a sanctuary city would "play out" and worried about "the damage that comes back to the city" from the state.But she backed the resolution after saying, "I do believe in good trouble, and this might just be one of those lines of good trouble."Kansas City's proposal is coming from a Democratic-leaning city in a state with a Republican governor and GOP-controlled Legislature. In Texas, the state capital of Austin declared last year that it should be considered a sanctuary for transgender youth and their families, and Harris County, home to Houston, declared it wouldn't pursue cases against parents over gender-affirming care.California,Minnesota and Washington have declared themselves sanctuary states for gender-affirming care, as have the cities of Chicago; Minneapolis, Minnesota; and West Hollywood, California.Republican state lawmakers across the U.S. who've attacked gender-affirming care as part of a larger effort to roll back LGBTQ+ rights have argued that they're protecting children from decisions they may later regret. But gender-affirming care for minors has been available in the U.S. for more than a decade and is endorsed by major medical associations.The resolution also says city personnel will not arrest or detain anyone sought by another jurisdiction for seeking gender-affirming care, respond to requests for information from other jurisdictions, or collect any civil penalties in such cases.Supporters noted that Kansas City's police force is controlled by a state-appointed Board of Police Commissioners and any possible criminal charges in gender-affirming cases would be filed by the county prosecutor rather than city prosecutors — both of which could make enforcing the resolution problematic.

KC is 1 vote from becoming sanctuary for gender-affirming care

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department has made an arrest and charges have been filed in connection to the May 3, murder of six-year-old, Sir-Antonio Brown.

Cassandra Sledge,18, a resident of Kansas City, Kansas was charged Wednesday in Wyandotte County with obstructing prosecution in the case. 

Charges are based on the fact that Sledge, who owns the vehicle suspects used to commit the murder, knowingly provided false statements to law enforcement to obstruct prosecution of the suspects. 

Sledge is currently being held in the Wyandotte County Jail on a $40,000 bond.

“There is something seriously wrong with society when an individual will say or do anything to protect the killers of a six-year-old child,” Chief Karl Oakman, Kansas City, Kansas Police Department, said. 

“This can never be accepted in our community or any other place in America. We all need to examine our hearts and understand that this can no longer the norm."

"Others out there know who these individuals are. Little Sir-Antonio has all the support and resources from the KCKPD and our federal partners to bring these killers to justice.”

WYANDOTTE —The search continues for a suspect in the shooting May 3, in the 3100 block of Greeley Avenue in Kansas City, Kansas that took the life of a 6-year-old Sir'Antonio Brown who was playing in his front yard.

On May 4, police confirmed they had located the vehicle involved.

The attack, when it was still daylight, doesn't appear to have been a “random act,” police Maj. Violeta Magee told reporters at the scene.&nbsp;

Officers found the wounded boy in the front yard. He was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead, Magee said. Police found more than 30 shell casings at the scene.&nbsp;

Police haven't said whether they think more than one person was involved in the attack, or whether the intended target was the boy or the adult he was with.&nbsp;

 Anyone with info should call  TIPS hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683755832986.png" alt="Sledge-photo Wyandotte Co." />
 <figcaption>Sledge-photo Wyandotte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>WYANDOTTE COUNTY —The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department has made an arrest and charges have been filed in connection to the May 3, murder of six-year-old, Sir-Antonio Brown.Cassandra Sledge,18, a resident of Kansas City, Kansas was charged Wednesday in Wyandotte County with obstructing prosecution in the case. Charges are based on the fact that Sledge, who owns the vehicle suspects used to commit the murder, knowingly provided false statements to law enforcement to obstruct prosecution of the suspects. Sledge is currently being held in the Wyandotte County Jail on a $40,000 bond.“There is something seriously wrong with society when an individual will say or do anything to protect the killers of a six-year-old child,” Chief Karl Oakman, Kansas City, Kansas Police Department, said. “This can never be accepted in our community or any other place in America. We all need to examine our hearts and understand that this can no longer the norm."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683336213432.png" alt="Sir-Antonio Brown- photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Sir-Antonio Brown- photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>"Others out there know who these individuals are. Little Sir-Antonio has all the support and resources from the KCKPD and our federal partners to bring these killers to justice.”---------WYANDOTTE —The search continues for a suspect in the shooting May 3, in the 3100 block of Greeley Avenue in Kansas City, Kansas that took the life of a 6-year-old Sir'Antonio Brown who was playing in his front yard.On May 4, police confirmed they had located the vehicle involved.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683195620849.png" alt="Photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>The attack, when it was still daylight, doesn't appear to have been a “random act,” police Maj. Violeta Magee told reporters at the scene.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683195327042.png" alt="Photo KCK Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo KCK Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Officers found the wounded boy in the front yard. He was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead, Magee said. Police found more than 30 shell casings at the scene.&nbsp;Police haven't said whether they think more than one person was involved in the attack, or whether the intended target was the boy or the adult he was with.&nbsp; Anyone with info should call TIPS hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477).--------

Woman jailed in connection with Kan. boy shot playing in front yard

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) — A northern Virginia man arrested on terrorism charges has a husband-wife relationship with another American who was dubbed by authorities as an “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-7322a6b74bdbe309e972b2562c607b69">empress of ISIS</a>&nbsp;” for her work to establish an all-female battalion of the Islamic State, prosecutors said Wednesday.

Mohammed Chhipa, 33, of Springfield, Virginia, was arrested last week on charges that he provided support to a terrorist group. Prosecutors allege that he transferred nearly $200,000 in cryptocurrency, with some of that money traced back to the Islamic State, to support Chhipa's stated goal of helping smuggle female ISIS members from detention camps. Other funds remain unaccounted for.

At a detention hearing Wednesday, prosecutors also disclosed a relationship between Chhipa and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/islamic-state-group-middle-east-africa-kansas-sentencing-61f14ecc5c3cd31e230d26837e5c9550">Allison Fluke-Ekren</a>, an American from Kansas&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-7322a6b74bdbe309e972b2562c607b69">who is serving a 20-year prison sentence</a>. Fluke-Ekren pleaded guilty last year to organizing and leading the Khatiba Nusaybah, a battalion in which roughly 100 women and girls — some as young as 10 — learned how to use automatic weapons and detonate grenades and suicide belts.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Aminoff told the judge that Chhipa considers himself to be married to Fluke-Ekren, although the marriage was apparently conducted online and has no legal status in the U.S. He said Chhipa, a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from India, has been trying to adopt Fluke-Ekren's children.

Court documents in Fuke-Ekren's case do not mention Chhipa by name, but also indicate that Fluke-Ekren considered herself to be married to a man she met online. It is not clear that the two have ever met in person.

Whatever the relationship between Chhipa and Fluke-Ekren, the charges against Chhipa appear unrelated to that relationship. Prosecutors say that between November 2019 and July 2022, Chhipa used virtual currency to transfer more than $188,000 to accounts known and unknown. An FBI affidavit states that some money remains unaccounted for but that $18,000 went to wallets known to be used by ISIS women located in Syria, while $61,000 went to cryptocurrency wallets in Turkey. The affidavit states that money intended to arrive in Syria is often routed through Turkey.

The affidavit quotes text messages sent by Chhipa indicating he wanted the money to be used to bribe guards at detention camps where families of Islamic State fighters are still being held.

The affidavit says Chhipa also met with an FBI “controlled persona” — either an undercover agent or a confidential source — and accepted cash from the individual. Chhippa then transferred the money to Bitcoin and sent it directly to a known ISIS member, according to the affidavit.

Chhipa has been under investigation for years. Indeed, prosecutors say he fled to Egypt in August 2019, fearing he would be arrested after his home was raided. He was brought back to the U.S. after authorities contacted Interpol, but he was not charged until Monday. Prosecutors say Chhiipa continued to engage in illegal conduct after he returned to the U.S., even though he know he was drawing authorities' scrutiny.

Family members who attended Wednesday's hearing did not comment, but passed out a written statement supporting him. The statement described Chhipa “as tirelessly working for the betterment of women and children” and said he "has been targeted by false allegations.

U.S. Magistrate Judge John Anderson ruled at the conclusion of Wednesday's hearing that Chhipa should remain jailed while he awaits trial.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1643715398750.png" alt="Ekren photo Alexandria Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Ekren photo Alexandria Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) — A northern Virginia man arrested on terrorism charges has a husband-wife relationship with another American who was dubbed by authorities as an “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-7322a6b74bdbe309e972b2562c607b69">empress of ISIS</a>&nbsp;” for her work to establish an all-female battalion of the Islamic State, prosecutors said Wednesday.Mohammed Chhipa, 33, of Springfield, Virginia, was arrested last week on charges that he provided support to a terrorist group. Prosecutors allege that he transferred nearly $200,000 in cryptocurrency, with some of that money traced back to the Islamic State, to support Chhipa's stated goal of helping smuggle female ISIS members from detention camps. Other funds remain unaccounted for.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683763131263.png" alt="Mohammed Chhipa -photo Alexandria Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Mohammed Chhipa -photo Alexandria Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>At a detention hearing Wednesday, prosecutors also disclosed a relationship between Chhipa and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/islamic-state-group-middle-east-africa-kansas-sentencing-61f14ecc5c3cd31e230d26837e5c9550">Allison Fluke-Ekren</a>, an American from Kansas&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-7322a6b74bdbe309e972b2562c607b69">who is serving a 20-year prison sentence</a>. Fluke-Ekren pleaded guilty last year to organizing and leading the Khatiba Nusaybah, a battalion in which roughly 100 women and girls — some as young as 10 — learned how to use automatic weapons and detonate grenades and suicide belts.Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Aminoff told the judge that Chhipa considers himself to be married to Fluke-Ekren, although the marriage was apparently conducted online and has no legal status in the U.S. He said Chhipa, a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from India, has been trying to adopt Fluke-Ekren's children.Court documents in Fuke-Ekren's case do not mention Chhipa by name, but also indicate that Fluke-Ekren considered herself to be married to a man she met online. It is not clear that the two have ever met in person.Whatever the relationship between Chhipa and Fluke-Ekren, the charges against Chhipa appear unrelated to that relationship. Prosecutors say that between November 2019 and July 2022, Chhipa used virtual currency to transfer more than $188,000 to accounts known and unknown. An FBI affidavit states that some money remains unaccounted for but that $18,000 went to wallets known to be used by ISIS women located in Syria, while $61,000 went to cryptocurrency wallets in Turkey. The affidavit states that money intended to arrive in Syria is often routed through Turkey.The affidavit quotes text messages sent by Chhipa indicating he wanted the money to be used to bribe guards at detention camps where families of Islamic State fighters are still being held.The affidavit says Chhipa also met with an FBI “controlled persona” — either an undercover agent or a confidential source — and accepted cash from the individual. Chhippa then transferred the money to Bitcoin and sent it directly to a known ISIS member, according to the affidavit.Chhipa has been under investigation for years. Indeed, prosecutors say he fled to Egypt in August 2019, fearing he would be arrested after his home was raided. He was brought back to the U.S. after authorities contacted Interpol, but he was not charged until Monday. Prosecutors say Chhiipa continued to engage in illegal conduct after he returned to the U.S., even though he know he was drawing authorities' scrutiny.Family members who attended Wednesday's hearing did not comment, but passed out a written statement supporting him. The statement described Chhipa “as tirelessly working for the betterment of women and children” and said he "has been targeted by false allegations.U.S. Magistrate Judge John Anderson ruled at the conclusion of Wednesday's hearing that Chhipa should remain jailed while he awaits trial.

Prosecutors link terror defendant, ISIS leader from Kansas

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Kansas City Council committee will consider a resolution on Wednesday that would designate the city as a sanctuary for people seeking or providing gender-affirming care, even as the state's attorney general is proposing a new restrictions on the procedures for adults and children.

The resolution, which was proposed by LGTBQ advocates in Kansas City, says the city will not prosecute or fine any person or organization that seeks, provides, receives or helps someone receive gender-affirming care such as as puberty blockers, hormones and surgery.

It also says if the state passes a law or resolution that imposes criminal or civil punishments, fines, or professional sanctions in such cases, Kansas City personnel will make enforcing those requirements “their lowest priority.”

The resolution comes as a judge is considering&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-gender-affirming-care-restrictions-missouri-4def2189dac9979a00d298efb3baf12a">a proposed emergency rule</a>&nbsp;from Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey that would require adults and children to undergo more than a year of therapy and fulfill other requirements before they could receive gender-affirming treatments such as puberty blockers, hormones and surgery as puberty blockers, hormones and surgery.

If the council's Transportation, Infrastructure and Operations Committee passes the resolution it could go before the Kansas City Council on Thursday.

Council member Andrea Bough, who co-sponsored the resolution with Mayor Quinton Lucas and councilman Eric Bunch, said that Bailey's proposed rule is part of a larger effort by Republican-controlled legislatures in Missouri and across the country to pass&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lgbtq-laws-states-gender-affirming-zephyr-fc2528326823c8232cb0aaa7ece0beab">bills restricting the rights of LGBTQ residents,</a>&nbsp;particularly transgender people.

Bough said members of the city’s LGBTQ Commission reached out to supporters in city government for some type of response to several anti-LGBTQ proposals in this year’s Missouri Legislature.

“There comes a time when you have to speak up and say to our LGTBQ residents, especially children, who are wondering if their city and state are accepting of them, we have to stand up right now and say, ‘Yes, you are welcome in Kansas City, we will protect you.’”

Justice Horn, chair of the LGBTQ Commission, said the resolution is one of many steps needed to help transgender, non-binary and other LBGTQ residents of the Kansas City metro areas.

“We don't know if these state laws are going to be signed, if the attorney general's order is going to be approved,” Horn said. “We didn't want (the state) to come after us, we want to be proactive and do what we can to protect the community. The basic message is that folks need to know we are going to do everything we can to ensure they have access to care."

Horn and Bough noted that Kansas City's police force is controlled by a state-appointed Board of Police Commissioners and any possible criminal charges in gender-affirming cases would be filed by the county prosecutor rather than city prosecutors — both of which could make enforcing the resolution problematic.

“To some extent, we recognize that it may have some limitations. ... It's a statement of our policy and our goals and will hopefully send a message to those within our jurisdiction how we hope others will act as well,” Bough said.

Bailey sought to impose his rule on April 27, prompting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-health-care-missouri-attorney-general-ef30b41658d95b7206535c5fd67513ae">a lawsuit</a>&nbsp;on behalf of transgender people. St. Louis County Judge Ellen Ribaudo initially granted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-transgender-health-care-ruling-705afa8c4e8a6d4445629c3f2694053f">a temporary restraining order</a>&nbsp;and scheduled a hearing for May 11. That hearing was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-health-missouri-lawsuit-fb59ee86b950c0f6ca2f54368f3e4aea">later delayed</a>&nbsp;until July 20.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683722152227.png" alt="Justice Horn, chair of the LGBTQ Commission-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Justice Horn, chair of the LGBTQ Commission-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MARGARET STAFFORD&nbsp;KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Kansas City Council committee will consider a resolution on Wednesday that would designate the city as a sanctuary for people seeking or providing gender-affirming care, even as the state's attorney general is proposing a new restrictions on the procedures for adults and children.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Starting this morning virtually meeting with folks from the Harvard Law School LGBTQ+ Advocacy Clinic around the Biden Administration’s proposed Title IX policy with other current and former LGBTQ+ athletes. After that, I’ll be heading to city hall for today’s public hearing!&mdash; Justice Horn (@JusticeHorn_) <a href="https://twitter.com/JusticeHorn_/status/1656264902330437632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The resolution, which was proposed by LGTBQ advocates in Kansas City, says the city will not prosecute or fine any person or organization that seeks, provides, receives or helps someone receive gender-affirming care such as as puberty blockers, hormones and surgery.It also says if the state passes a law or resolution that imposes criminal or civil punishments, fines, or professional sanctions in such cases, Kansas City personnel will make enforcing those requirements “their lowest priority.”The resolution comes as a judge is considering&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-gender-affirming-care-restrictions-missouri-4def2189dac9979a00d298efb3baf12a">a proposed emergency rule</a>&nbsp;from Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey that would require adults and children to undergo more than a year of therapy and fulfill other requirements before they could receive gender-affirming treatments such as puberty blockers, hormones and surgery as puberty blockers, hormones and surgery.If the council's Transportation, Infrastructure and Operations Committee passes the resolution it could go before the Kansas City Council on Thursday.Council member Andrea Bough, who co-sponsored the resolution with Mayor Quinton Lucas and councilman Eric Bunch, said that Bailey's proposed rule is part of a larger effort by Republican-controlled legislatures in Missouri and across the country to pass&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lgbtq-laws-states-gender-affirming-zephyr-fc2528326823c8232cb0aaa7ece0beab">bills restricting the rights of LGBTQ residents,</a>&nbsp;particularly transgender people.Bough said members of the city’s LGBTQ Commission reached out to supporters in city government for some type of response to several anti-LGBTQ proposals in this year’s Missouri Legislature.“There comes a time when you have to speak up and say to our LGTBQ residents, especially children, who are wondering if their city and state are accepting of them, we have to stand up right now and say, ‘Yes, you are welcome in Kansas City, we will protect you.’”Justice Horn, chair of the LGBTQ Commission, said the resolution is one of many steps needed to help transgender, non-binary and other LBGTQ residents of the Kansas City metro areas.“We don't know if these state laws are going to be signed, if the attorney general's order is going to be approved,” Horn said. “We didn't want (the state) to come after us, we want to be proactive and do what we can to protect the community. The basic message is that folks need to know we are going to do everything we can to ensure they have access to care."The resolution also says city personnel will not arrest or detain anyone sought by another jurisdiction for seeking gender-affirming care, respond to requests for information from other jurisdictions, or collect any civil penalties in such cases.Horn and Bough noted that Kansas City's police force is controlled by a state-appointed Board of Police Commissioners and any possible criminal charges in gender-affirming cases would be filed by the county prosecutor rather than city prosecutors — both of which could make enforcing the resolution problematic.“To some extent, we recognize that it may have some limitations. ... It's a statement of our policy and our goals and will hopefully send a message to those within our jurisdiction how we hope others will act as well,” Bough said.Bailey sought to impose his rule on April 27, prompting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-health-care-missouri-attorney-general-ef30b41658d95b7206535c5fd67513ae">a lawsuit</a>&nbsp;on behalf of transgender people. St. Louis County Judge Ellen Ribaudo initially granted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-transgender-health-care-ruling-705afa8c4e8a6d4445629c3f2694053f">a temporary restraining order</a>&nbsp;and scheduled a hearing for May 11. That hearing was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-health-missouri-lawsuit-fb59ee86b950c0f6ca2f54368f3e4aea">later delayed</a>&nbsp;until July 20.

Kansas City considers becoming LGBTQ sanctuary city

BOURBON COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office arrested three subjects after an investigation in Fort Scott, Kansas, according to a media release from the KBI.

Just before 11 a.m. Tuesday, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at 113 S. Barbee Street in Fort Scott.&nbsp; Officers found methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug use paraphernalia at the location. Four subjects were on the property at the time the warrant was served.

Following the search,&nbsp;Janelle Roberts, 38, of Fort Scott, was arrested on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Roger Firebaugh, 53, of Fort Scott, was arrested on requested charges of distribution of methamphetamine, two counts of distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of school property, and two counts of use of a communication facility for the distribution of controlled substances.

Cavin Ford, 61, of Fort Scott, was arrested on requested charges of possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683726849220.png" alt="Firebaugh has a previous drug conviction in Linn Co., according to the KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Firebaugh has a previous drug conviction in Linn Co., according to the KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>BOURBON COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office arrested three subjects after an investigation in Fort Scott, Kansas, according to a media release from the KBI.Just before 11 a.m. Tuesday, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at 113 S. Barbee Street in Fort Scott.&nbsp; Officers found methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug use paraphernalia at the location. Four subjects were on the property at the time the warrant was served.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683726782626.png" alt="Roberts has a previous drug conviction in 2020, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections. Photo Bourbon Co." />
 <figcaption>Roberts has a previous drug conviction in 2020, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections. Photo Bourbon Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Following the search,&nbsp;Janelle Roberts, 38, of Fort Scott, was arrested on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.Roger Firebaugh, 53, of Fort Scott, was arrested on requested charges of distribution of methamphetamine, two counts of distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of school property, and two counts of use of a communication facility for the distribution of controlled substances.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683726869751.png" alt="Ford-photo Bourbon Co." />
 <figcaption>Ford-photo Bourbon Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Cavin Ford, 61, of Fort Scott, was arrested on requested charges of possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

KBI makes drug bust at Kansas home near a school

BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after a traffic stop.

Just after 9:30 p.m. Sunday, the Brown County law enforcement dispatch received a 911 call of reckless driver complaint westbound on U.S. 36&nbsp; near Racoon Road, according to Sheriff John Merchant.

Deputies located the vehicle matching the description was in Hiawatha and a Brown County deputy immediately&nbsp; observed a defective brake light on the suspect vehicle and initiated a traffic stop.

While investigating,&nbsp;&nbsp;the deputy detected an odor of burnt marijuana coming from inside the vehicle.&nbsp; He arrested 18-year-old Fazzion Rush-Pruitt 18 of St Joseph, on requested charges of Operating a Motor Vehicle Without a License, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683646412791.png" alt="Rush-Pruitt-photo Brown Co." />
 <figcaption>Rush-Pruitt-photo Brown Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after a traffic stop.Just after 9:30 p.m. Sunday, the Brown County law enforcement dispatch received a 911 call of reckless driver complaint westbound on U.S. 36&nbsp; near Racoon Road, according to Sheriff John Merchant.Deputies located the vehicle matching the description was in Hiawatha and a Brown County deputy immediately&nbsp; observed a defective brake light on the suspect vehicle and initiated a traffic stop. While investigating,&nbsp;&nbsp;the deputy detected an odor of burnt marijuana coming from inside the vehicle.&nbsp; He arrested 18-year-old Fazzion Rush-Pruitt 18 of St Joseph, on requested charges of Operating a Motor Vehicle Without a License, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Missouri teen jailed in Kansas for alleged pot possession

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a hit-and-run&nbsp; accident made an arrest.

Just before 2a.m. on Sunday, police were dispatched to traffic crash in the area of Kellogg and Interstate 235, according to officer&nbsp;Kristopher Gupilan.

First responders located a Jeep SUV and a Dodge Challenger involved in a crash. The occupants of the Jeep sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to a local area hospital for treatment. 

Witnesses advised that the driver of the Dodge Challenger later identified as&nbsp;28-year-old Rakim Dean of Wichita had fled the scene of the crash prior to officer’s arrival.

 Officers were able to locate Dean and he was interviewed by investigators.&nbsp; Speed was a factor in this crash.

 Dean was transported to the Sedgwick County Jail and booked on requested&nbsp;charges&nbsp;of aggravated battery, battery and failure to stop at an accident.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683587506402.png" alt="Dean-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Dean-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a hit-and-run&nbsp; accident made an arrest.Just before 2a.m. on Sunday, police were dispatched to traffic crash in the area of Kellogg and Interstate 235, according to officer&nbsp;Kristopher Gupilan.First responders located a Jeep SUV and a Dodge Challenger involved in a crash. The occupants of the Jeep sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to a local area hospital for treatment. Witnesses advised that the driver of the Dodge Challenger later identified as&nbsp;28-year-old Rakim Dean of Wichita had fled the scene of the crash prior to officer’s arrival. Officers were able to locate Dean and he was interviewed by investigators.&nbsp; Speed was a factor in this crash. Dean was transported to the Sedgwick County Jail and booked on requested&nbsp;charges&nbsp;of aggravated battery, battery and failure to stop at an accident.

Police arrest Kansas man who ran from 2-vehicle crash

DENVER (AP) — A judge sentenced a woman convicted of killing her 11-year-old stepson in Colorado and dumping his body over a bridge in Florida to life in prison without parole on Monday, calling her claim that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stepson-stepmother-killing-colorado-suitcase-florida-aa2e46edd072ccd98036479f8644e490">she was insane</a>&nbsp;and that one of her other personalities killed him a disservice to those who are mentally ill.

Earlier in the day, jurors found Letecia Stauch guilty of first-degree murder and other charges she faced in Gannon Stauch’s killing over three years ago. Prosecutors said she stabbed Gannon 18 times as he tried to fight her off before hitting him in the head and then shooting him once.

Prosecutors claimed Stauch killed the boy in January 2020 because she hated him and wanted to hurt his father, Al Stauch, whom she planned to leave and who was away on a National Guard deployment at the time. They said she then put his body in a suitcase and drove over 1,300 miles with it in a rented van.

Authorities arrested Stauch in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on March 2, 2022. She was held in the Saline County, Kansas jail on her return to Colorado.

Judge Gregory Werner said Stauch was also motivated by “hatred and jealousy” of Gannon’s mother, Landen Bullard, and resentful of being left to take care of Gannon and his younger sister.

Unlike other defendants with mental health problems, Werner said Stauch was never surprised by what her alleged other personality did but instead took conscious steps to cover up her actions.

“There is no time during the minutes, hours and days following the murder where Letecia came out and wondered 'Gee, why am I carrying a body around a body in my luggage?' That just isn't credible," he said.

Al Stauch broke down in court while addressing Gannon, saying he would never would have thought he was leaving him with his “murderer." Both he and Bullard recalled how their severely premature son weighed about a pound and a half when he was born, able to fit into the palms of his dad’s hands, but proved to be a survivor.

“You came into this world fighting. Unfortunately, you left this world fighting,” Bullard said.

Stauch did not deny killing Gannon, but she pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. The defense argued that she killed Gannon during a “psychotic break" caused by trauma from being physically, emotionally and sexually abused during her childhood.

Experts at the state mental hospital concluded that Stauch had a personality disorder with borderline and narcissistic features but was sane at the time Gannon was killed. Under Colorado law, that means understanding the difference between right and wrong and being able to form the intent to commit a crime.

The main defense witness, Dr. Dorothy Lewis, author of the book “Crazy, Not Insane” and featured in an HBO documentary with the same title, concluded Stauch suffered from dissociative identity disorder — when someone has two or more personalities as the result of trauma — and was not sane at the time Gannon was killed.

In the weeks leading up to Gannon's killing, Stauch was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder after she was referred to a psychologist while being treated military health clinic. Therapist Ronda Niederhauser testified that Stauch did not show any signs of being a threat to herself or others and was aware of her surroundings.

Authorities believe Stauch killed Gannon in his bedroom a few hours before reporting him missing on Jan. 27, 2020, saying he had not come home from playing with friends. Dozens of volunteers helped search for the boy in the area around where the family lived near Colorado Springs. However, investigators later revealed that Stauch concocted a variety of stories to mislead them, including that a man she hired to repair a carpet raped her and then abducted Gannon.

After Al Stauch became suspicious of his wife, he allowed the FBI to listen in on his phone calls with Stauch, trying to draw out more information from her about where Gannon was. Hours of audio from those calls along with video recordings of interviews with Stauch about her mental health were a prominent part of the evidence offered during the five-week trial.

Gannon’s body was found in a suitcase below a bridge on the Florida Pandhandle during an inspection done twice a year in what prosecutors called “divine intervention.”

Stauch was convicted of first-degree murder after deliberation, first-degree murder of a child by a person in a position of trust, tampering with a deceased human body and tampering with physical evidence.

She did not appear to show any reaction to the verdict as it was read, sitting at the defense table between her two lawyers, or as Al Stauch, Bullard and others spoke to the judge about how Gannon's killing had hurt them.

Prosecutors claimed Stauch killed the boy in January 2020 because she hated him and wanted to hurt his father, Al Stauch, whom she planned to leave and who was away on a National Guard deployment at the time. They said she then put his body in a suitcase and drove over 1,300 miles with it in a rented van.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583419148723.jpeg" alt="After her March 2020 arrest in South Carolina, Letecia Stauch was held in the Saline County jail on her return to Colorado -Photo Saline County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>After her March 2020 arrest in South Carolina, Letecia Stauch was held in the Saline County jail on her return to Colorado -Photo Saline County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>DENVER (AP) — A judge sentenced a woman convicted of killing her 11-year-old stepson in Colorado and dumping his body over a bridge in Florida to life in prison without parole on Monday, calling her claim that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stepson-stepmother-killing-colorado-suitcase-florida-aa2e46edd072ccd98036479f8644e490">she was insane</a>&nbsp;and that one of her other personalities killed him a disservice to those who are mentally ill.Earlier in the day, jurors found Letecia Stauch guilty of first-degree murder and other charges she faced in Gannon Stauch’s killing over three years ago. Prosecutors said she stabbed Gannon 18 times as he tried to fight her off before hitting him in the head and then shooting him once.Prosecutors claimed Stauch killed the boy in January 2020 because she hated him and wanted to hurt his father, Al Stauch, whom she planned to leave and who was away on a National Guard deployment at the time. They said she then put his body in a suitcase and drove over 1,300 miles with it in a rented van.Authorities arrested Stauch in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on March 2, 2022. She was held in the Saline County, Kansas jail on her return to Colorado.Judge Gregory Werner said Stauch was also motivated by “hatred and jealousy” of Gannon’s mother, Landen Bullard, and resentful of being left to take care of Gannon and his younger sister.Unlike other defendants with mental health problems, Werner said Stauch was never surprised by what her alleged other personality did but instead took conscious steps to cover up her actions.“There is no time during the minutes, hours and days following the murder where Letecia came out and wondered 'Gee, why am I carrying a body around a body in my luggage?' That just isn't credible," he said.Al Stauch broke down in court while addressing Gannon, saying he would never would have thought he was leaving him with his “murderer." Both he and Bullard recalled how their severely premature son weighed about a pound and a half when he was born, able to fit into the palms of his dad’s hands, but proved to be a survivor.“You came into this world fighting. Unfortunately, you left this world fighting,” Bullard said.Stauch did not deny killing Gannon, but she pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. The defense argued that she killed Gannon during a “psychotic break" caused by trauma from being physically, emotionally and sexually abused during her childhood.Experts at the state mental hospital concluded that Stauch had a personality disorder with borderline and narcissistic features but was sane at the time Gannon was killed. Under Colorado law, that means understanding the difference between right and wrong and being able to form the intent to commit a crime.The main defense witness, Dr. Dorothy Lewis, author of the book “Crazy, Not Insane” and featured in an HBO documentary with the same title, concluded Stauch suffered from dissociative identity disorder — when someone has two or more personalities as the result of trauma — and was not sane at the time Gannon was killed.In the weeks leading up to Gannon's killing, Stauch was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder after she was referred to a psychologist while being treated military health clinic. Therapist Ronda Niederhauser testified that Stauch did not show any signs of being a threat to herself or others and was aware of her surroundings.Authorities believe Stauch killed Gannon in his bedroom a few hours before reporting him missing on Jan. 27, 2020, saying he had not come home from playing with friends. Dozens of volunteers helped search for the boy in the area around where the family lived near Colorado Springs. However, investigators later revealed that Stauch concocted a variety of stories to mislead them, including that a man she hired to repair a carpet raped her and then abducted Gannon.After Al Stauch became suspicious of his wife, he allowed the FBI to listen in on his phone calls with Stauch, trying to draw out more information from her about where Gannon was. Hours of audio from those calls along with video recordings of interviews with Stauch about her mental health were a prominent part of the evidence offered during the five-week trial.Gannon’s body was found in a suitcase below a bridge on the Florida Pandhandle during an inspection done twice a year in what prosecutors called “divine intervention.”Stauch was convicted of first-degree murder after deliberation, first-degree murder of a child by a person in a position of trust, tampering with a deceased human body and tampering with physical evidence.She did not appear to show any reaction to the verdict as it was read, sitting at the defense table between her two lawyers, or as Al Stauch, Bullard and others spoke to the judge about how Gannon's killing had hurt them.-----------------DENVER (AP) — A judge sentenced a woman convicted of killing her 11-year-old stepson in Colorado and dumping his body over a bridge in Florida to life in prison without parole on Monday, calling her claim that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stepson-stepmother-killing-colorado-suitcase-florida-aa2e46edd072ccd98036479f8644e490">she was insane</a>&nbsp;and that one of her other personalities killed him a disservice to those who are mentally ill.Earlier in the day, jurors found Letecia Stauch guilty of first-degree murder and other charges she faced in Gannon Stauch’s killing over three years ago. Prosecutors said she stabbed Gannon 18 times as he tried to fight her off before hitting him in the head and then shooting him once.Prosecutors claimed Stauch killed the boy in January 2020 because she hated him and wanted to hurt his father, Al Stauch, whom she planned to leave and who was away on a National Guard deployment at the time. They said she then put his body in a suitcase and drove over 1,300 miles with it in a rented van.&nbsp;Authorities arrested Stauch in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on March 2, 2022. She was held in the Saline County, Kansas jail on her return to Colorado.Judge Gregory Werner said Stauch was also motivated by “hatred and jealousy” of Gannon’s mother, Landen Bullard, and resentful of being left to take care of Gannon and his younger sister.Unlike other defendants with mental health problems, Werner said Stauch was never surprised by what her alleged other personality did but instead took conscious steps to cover up her actions.“There is no time during the minutes, hours and days following the murder where Letecia came out and wondered 'Gee, why am I carrying a body around a body in my luggage?' That just isn't credible," he said.Al Stauch broke down in court while addressing Gannon, saying he would never would have thought he was leaving him with his “murderer." Both he and Bullard recalled how their severely premature son weighed about a pound and a half when he was born, able to fit into the palms of his dad’s hands, but proved to be a survivor.“You came into this world fighting. Unfortunately, you left this world fighting,” Bullard said.Stauch did not deny killing Gannon, but she pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. The defense argued that she killed Gannon during a “psychotic break" caused by trauma from being physically, emotionally and sexually abused during her childhood.Experts at the state mental hospital concluded that Stauch had a personality disorder with borderline and narcissistic features but was sane at the time Gannon was killed. Under Colorado law, that means understanding the difference between right and wrong and being able to form the intent to commit a crime.The main defense witness, Dr. Dorothy Lewis, author of the book “Crazy, Not Insane” and featured in an HBO documentary with the same title, concluded Stauch suffered from dissociative identity disorder — when someone has two or more personalities as the result of trauma — and was not sane at the time Gannon was killed.In the weeks leading up to Gannon's killing, Stauch was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder after she was referred to a psychologist while being treated military health clinic. Therapist Ronda Niederhauser testified that Stauch did not show any signs of being a threat to herself or others and was aware of her surroundings.Authorities believe Stauch killed Gannon in his bedroom a few hours before reporting him missing on Jan. 27, 2020, saying he had not come home from playing with friends. Dozens of volunteers helped search for the boy in the area around where the family lived near Colorado Springs. However, investigators later revealed that Stauch concocted a variety of stories to mislead them, including that a man she hired to repair a carpet raped her and then abducted Gannon.After Al Stauch became suspicious of his wife, he allowed the FBI to listen in on his phone calls with Stauch, trying to draw out more information from her about where Gannon was. Hours of audio from those calls along with video recordings of interviews with Stauch about her mental health were a prominent part of the evidence offered during the five-week trial.Gannon’s body was found in a suitcase below a bridge on the Florida Pandhandle during an inspection done twice a year in what prosecutors called “divine intervention.”Stauch was convicted of first-degree murder after deliberation, first-degree murder of a child by a person in a position of trust, tampering with a deceased human body and tampering with physical evidence.She did not appear to show any reaction to the verdict as it was read, sitting at the defense table between her two lawyers, or as Al Stauch, Bullard and others spoke to the judge about how Gannon's killing had hurt them.