GRADY COUNTY, OK—A suspect in the disappearance of 4-year-old Athena Brownfield is facing a murder count in Oklahoma, according to a media release from the Oklahoma Bureau of Investigation.

 Ivon Adams, 36, is awaiting extradition to Oklahoma on one count of Murder in the First Degree and one count of Child Neglect. He was taken into custody on Friday in Arizona and is currently in the Maricopa County Jail.

Alysia Adams, 31, was also arrested Thursday and remains in the Caddo County Jail facing a count of Child Neglect.&nbsp; Alysia and Ivon Adams were Athena's caretakers when she disappeared. Athena's five-year-old sister was also in their care. She was located Tuesday near the Adams' home at 225 W. Nebraska in Cyril. A postal carrier found the child and notified local police that she was unattended. The five-year-old is in protective custody.

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) continues efforts to locate Athena.&nbsp; Agents were following up on tips coming from Oklahoma and other states.

The city of Cyril has also suspended trash service as investigators search for clues.

Anyone with any information should contact the OSBI at (800) 522-8017 or email&nbsp;tips@osbi.ok.gov.&nbsp;You can remain anonymous.&nbsp;

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Two people have now been arrested in connection with the disappearance of Athena Brownfield, a 4-year-old Oklahoma girl whose 5-year-old sister was discovered wandering alone outside by a postal worker, state investigators said Friday.

Arizona authorities arrested 36-year-old Ivon Adams on Thursday, and he is being held in the Maricopa County jail in Phoenix pending extradition to Oklahoma, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation said in a news release.

Authorities earlier arrested Alysia Adams, 31, on two counts of child neglect, the bureau&nbsp;<a href="https://nixle.us/E7FY5">said in a statement late Thursday</a>. Alysia Adams remained jailed in Oklahoma's Caddo County on Friday.

The bureau released no further details about the arrests or what the suspects' relationship is. It was not known if either Adams had an attorney to comment on their behalf.

A bureau spokesperson did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment Friday.

The arrests are related to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oklahoma-city-1b331093878a39b70fccfdc6ba2e47dc">the search for Athena</a>, who was reported missing Tuesday in Cyril, about 70 miles&nbsp; southwest of Oklahoma City, the bureau said.

The postal carrier found Athena’s sister wandering alone outside Adams' home Monday afternoon and alerted Cyril police. Authorities then determined that Athena was missing.

The girls had been in the care of Adams and her husband, and Athena's sister was taken into protective custody, the bureau said Wednesday.

Authorities said they believe Athena was wearing a hoodie with a butterfly design when she disappeared.

The bureau said it was working with other law enforcement agencies and volunteers in the search, which included a helicopter, boats, all-terrain vehicles, a specially trained ground team, and a review of surveillance video from around Cyril.

The bureau said agents were following up on tips coming from Oklahoma and other states.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673636085787.png" alt="Adams-photo Maricopa Co." />
 <figcaption>Adams-photo Maricopa Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>GRADY COUNTY, OK—A suspect in the disappearance of 4-year-old Athena Brownfield is facing a murder count in Oklahoma, according to a media release from the Oklahoma Bureau of Investigation. Ivon Adams, 36, is awaiting extradition to Oklahoma on one count of Murder in the First Degree and one count of Child Neglect. He was taken into custody on Friday in Arizona and is currently in the Maricopa County Jail.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673617381405.png" alt="Adams-photo Caddo&nbsp; County, Oklahoma" />
 <figcaption>Adams-photo Caddo&nbsp; County, Oklahoma</figcaption>
 </figure>Alysia Adams, 31, was also arrested Thursday and remains in the Caddo County Jail facing a count of Child Neglect.&nbsp; Alysia and Ivon Adams were Athena's caretakers when she disappeared. Athena's five-year-old sister was also in their care. She was located Tuesday near the Adams' home at 225 W. Nebraska in Cyril. A postal carrier found the child and notified local police that she was unattended. The five-year-old is in protective custody.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673643845430.png" alt="-Authorities said they believe Athena was wearing a hoodie with a butterfly design when she disappeared." />
 <figcaption>-Authorities said they believe Athena was wearing a hoodie with a butterfly design when she disappeared.</figcaption>
 </figure>The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) continues efforts to locate Athena.&nbsp; Agents were following up on tips coming from Oklahoma and other states.The city of Cyril has also suspended trash service as investigators search for clues.Anyone with any information should contact the OSBI at (800) 522-8017 or email&nbsp;tips@osbi.ok.gov.&nbsp;You can remain anonymous.&nbsp;--------------OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Two people have now been arrested in connection with the disappearance of Athena Brownfield, a 4-year-old Oklahoma girl whose 5-year-old sister was discovered wandering alone outside by a postal worker, state investigators said Friday.Arizona authorities arrested 36-year-old Ivon Adams on Thursday, and he is being held in the Maricopa County jail in Phoenix pending extradition to Oklahoma, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation said in a news release.Authorities earlier arrested Alysia Adams, 31, on two counts of child neglect, the bureau&nbsp;<a href="https://nixle.us/E7FY5">said in a statement late Thursday</a>. Alysia Adams remained jailed in Oklahoma's Caddo County on Friday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673636085787.png" alt="Adams photo Maricopa County" />
 <figcaption>Adams photo Maricopa County</figcaption>
 </figure>The bureau released no further details about the arrests or what the suspects' relationship is. It was not known if either Adams had an attorney to comment on their behalf.A bureau spokesperson did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment Friday.The arrests are related to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oklahoma-city-1b331093878a39b70fccfdc6ba2e47dc">the search for Athena</a>, who was reported missing Tuesday in Cyril, about 70 miles&nbsp; southwest of Oklahoma City, the bureau said.The postal carrier found Athena’s sister wandering alone outside Adams' home Monday afternoon and alerted Cyril police. Authorities then determined that Athena was missing.The girls had been in the care of Adams and her husband, and Athena's sister was taken into protective custody, the bureau said Wednesday.Authorities said they believe Athena was wearing a hoodie with a butterfly design when she disappeared.The bureau said it was working with other law enforcement agencies and volunteers in the search, which included a helicopter, boats, all-terrain vehicles, a specially trained ground team, and a review of surveillance video from around Cyril.The city of Cyril has also suspended trash service as investigators search for clues.The bureau said agents were following up on tips coming from Oklahoma and other states.

Man faces murder charge; search for missing 4-year-old continues

Over three years after his murder, the family of Ernie Ortiz and the Garden City/Finney County Crime Stoppers have increased the reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect(s) in this case, bringing the total amount of the reward to $21,500.

In September 2019, Ortiz was found shot outside of his family restaurant and later died at the hospital. It is believed Ortiz was shot during a robbery after he closed the business for the night.

The Garden City Police Department is requesting assistance from the community. If you witnessed this incident, or have information related to this incident, please call the Garden City Police Department at (620) 276-1300. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers at (620) 275-7807, or text your tip to Garden City PD, text GCTIP and your tip to Tip411 (847411).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673628423977.png" alt="Ernie Ortiz-photo Garden City Police" />
 <figcaption>Ernie Ortiz-photo Garden City Police</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTYOver three years after his murder, the family of Ernie Ortiz and the Garden City/Finney County Crime Stoppers have increased the reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect(s) in this case, bringing the total amount of the reward to $21,500.In September 2019, Ortiz was found shot outside of his family restaurant and later died at the hospital. It is believed Ortiz was shot during a robbery after he closed the business for the night.The Garden City Police Department is requesting assistance from the community. If you witnessed this incident, or have information related to this incident, please call the Garden City Police Department at (620) 276-1300. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers at (620) 275-7807, or text your tip to Garden City PD, text GCTIP and your tip to Tip411 (847411).

Reward increased in unsolved SW Kansas murder 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673617381405.png" alt="Adams-photo Caddo&nbsp; County, Oklahoma" />
 <figcaption>Adams-photo Caddo&nbsp; County, Oklahoma</figcaption>
 </figure>OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Two people have now been arrested in connection with the disappearance of Athena Brownfield, a 4-year-old Oklahoma girl whose 5-year-old sister was discovered wandering alone outside by a postal worker, state investigators said Friday.Arizona authorities arrested 36-year-old Ivon Adams on Thursday, and he is being held in the Maricopa County jail in Phoenix pending extradition to Oklahoma, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation said in a news release.Authorities earlier arrested Alysia Adams, 31, on two counts of child neglect, the bureau&nbsp;<a href="https://nixle.us/E7FY5">said in a statement late Thursday</a>. Alysia Adams remained jailed in Oklahoma's Caddo County on Friday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673636085787.png" alt="Adams photo Maricopa County" />
 <figcaption>Adams photo Maricopa County</figcaption>
 </figure>The bureau released no further details about the arrests or what the suspects' relationship is. It was not known if either Adams had an attorney to comment on their behalf.A bureau spokesperson did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment Friday.The arrests are related to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oklahoma-city-1b331093878a39b70fccfdc6ba2e47dc">the search for Athena</a>, who was reported missing Tuesday in Cyril, about 70 miles&nbsp; southwest of Oklahoma City, the bureau said.The postal carrier found Athena’s sister wandering alone outside Adams' home Monday afternoon and alerted Cyril police. Authorities then determined that Athena was missing.The girls had been in the care of Adams and her husband, and Athena's sister was taken into protective custody, the bureau said Wednesday.Authorities said they believe Athena was wearing a hoodie with a butterfly design when she disappeared.The bureau said it was working with other law enforcement agencies and volunteers in the search, which included a helicopter, boats, all-terrain vehicles, a specially trained ground team, and a review of surveillance video from around Cyril.The city of Cyril has also suspended trash service as investigators search for clues.The bureau said agents were following up on tips coming from Oklahoma and other states.

2nd arrest in case of missing 4-year-old; search continues

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a couple after an accidental shooting in their home.

Just after 11:30a.m. Thursday, police&nbsp;were dispatched to a shooting in the 1200 block of North Lorraine in Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch.

 While Officers were en route to the scene, on suspect identified as 25-year-old Marlon Jones fled on foot to a residence in the 3000 block of East 11th Street. As Officers arrived, they saw Jones walking back from the area of that residence.

Officers then located 22-year-old Kianna Nweji inside her residence on North Lorraine with a gunshot wound to her foot. EMS transported her&nbsp; to a local hospital for treatment.

The investigation revealed that Nweji and Jones were both lying in bed when their 2-year-old child found a gun and accidentally shot Nweji. Jones took the gun to the 11th Street address where an acquaintance of his lives, according to Ditch. Investigators located the gun and found an AR-15 that belonged to nobody in the residence and the individuals in the house did not know how it got there.

Police arrested Nweji and Jones on requested charges of Aggravated Endangering of a child.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673627717579.png" alt="Jones-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Jones-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a couple after an accidental shooting in their home.Just after 11:30a.m. Thursday, police&nbsp;were dispatched to a shooting in the 1200 block of North Lorraine in Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch. While Officers were en route to the scene, on suspect identified as 25-year-old Marlon Jones fled on foot to a residence in the 3000 block of East 11th Street. As Officers arrived, they saw Jones walking back from the area of that residence.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673627653047.png" alt="Nweji photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Nweji photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Officers then located 22-year-old Kianna Nweji inside her residence on North Lorraine with a gunshot wound to her foot. EMS transported her&nbsp; to a local hospital for treatment.The investigation revealed that Nweji and Jones were both lying in bed when their 2-year-old child found a gun and accidentally shot Nweji. Jones took the gun to the 11th Street address where an acquaintance of his lives, according to Ditch. Investigators located the gun and found an AR-15 that belonged to nobody in the residence and the individuals in the house did not know how it got there.Police arrested Nweji and Jones on requested charges of Aggravated Endangering of a child.

Police: 2-year-old shot mother in the foot at Kansas home

By BECKY GOFF Little Apple Post

POTTAWATOMIE CO. - Deputies with the Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office executed a narcotics search warrant on Wednesday, January 11, 2023 in the 3600 block of Apel Road.

As a result of an investigation into illegal drug activity and stolen property in the Pottawatomie County area, Deputies found numerous marijuana plants, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia and several items of stolen property were recovered.

Deputies arrested 47-year-old Michael Duane Johnson of Wamego in connection with the search warrant.

Johnson was taken into custody and transported to the Pottawatomie County Jail on charges of Cultivation of a Controlled Substance, Criminal Possession of a Firearm, Possession&nbsp; of Marijuana, Possession of Stimulant, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

By BECKY GOFF Little Apple PostPOTTAWATOMIE CO. - Deputies with the Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office executed a narcotics search warrant on Wednesday, January 11, 2023 in the 3600 block of Apel Road.As a result of an investigation into illegal drug activity and stolen property in the Pottawatomie County area, Deputies found numerous marijuana plants, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia and several items of stolen property were recovered.Deputies arrested 47-year-old Michael Duane Johnson of Wamego in connection with the search warrant.Johnson was taken into custody and transported to the Pottawatomie County Jail on charges of Cultivation of a Controlled Substance, Criminal Possession of a Firearm, Possession&nbsp; of Marijuana, Possession of Stimulant, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.Johnson was released on $20,000 bond.

PT Co. Sheriff's Office: Wamego man arrested on drug charges

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating the death of a child and have made an arrest.

On January 4, investigators with the Topeka Police Department&nbsp;became aware of a child abuse case that involved a child who was being&nbsp; treated at a local hospital, according to Lt. Donna Eubanks. The 16-month-old boy died at the hospital on Sunday.

As a result of the investigation, on Thursday,&nbsp; police arrested 40-year-old Dustin J. Kelley, 40 of Topeka on requested charges of Murder in the 1st Degree, Abuse of a Child and Aggravated Endangering a Child.

The child and Kelley were known to one another, according to Eubanks.

Kelley has previous convictions for aggravated battery and burglary, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections. He had been discharged from the state department of corrections in October.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673572924426.png" alt="Kelley has previous convictions for aggravated battery and burglary, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Kelley has previous convictions for aggravated battery and burglary, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating the death of a child and have made an arrest.On January 4, investigators with the Topeka Police Department&nbsp;became aware of a child abuse case that involved a child who was being&nbsp; treated at a local hospital, according to Lt. Donna Eubanks. The 16-month-old boy died at the hospital on Sunday.As a result of the investigation, on Thursday,&nbsp; police arrested 40-year-old Dustin J. Kelley, 40 of Topeka on requested charges of Murder in the 1st Degree, Abuse of a Child and Aggravated Endangering a Child.The child and Kelley were known to one another, according to Eubanks.Kelley has previous convictions for aggravated battery and burglary, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections. He had been discharged from the state department of corrections in October.

Kansas man accused in abuse death of 16-month-old

CYRIL, Oklahoma (AP) — Oklahoma authorities searching for a missing 4-year-old girl say they have arrested a caretaker of the child for investigation of child neglect.

Alysia Adams, 31, was arrested at the Grady County Sheriff’s Office and booked into jail in Caddo County on two counts of child neglect, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation&nbsp;<a href="https://nixle.us/E7FY5" target="_blank">said in a statement late Thursday</a>.

The bureau said the arrest is related to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oklahoma-city-1b331093878a39b70fccfdc6ba2e47dc">the ongoing search for Athena Brownfield</a>, who was first reported missing on Tuesday from her home in Cyril, about 70 miles southwest of Oklahoma City.

A postal carrier found Athena’s 5-year-old sister wandering alone outside Adams’ home on Monday afternoon and alerted Cyril police. Authorities later determined Athena was missing. The girls were in the care of Adams and her husband, and Athena’s sister was taken into protective custody, the bureau said Wednesday.

The bureau released no additional information about Adams’ arrest, and it was not immediately known if she had an attorney who could comment for her.

Authorities said they believe Athena was wearing a hoodie with a butterfly design when she went missing.

The bureau said it was working with other law enforcement agencies and volunteers in the search, which included using a helicopter and a specially trained ground team as well as reviewing surveillace video from around Cyril. It said agents were following up on tips coming from Oklahoma and other states.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673617381405.png" alt="Adams-photo Caddo County" />
 <figcaption>Adams-photo Caddo County</figcaption>
 </figure>CYRIL, Oklahoma (AP) — Oklahoma authorities searching for a missing 4-year-old girl say they have arrested a caretaker of the child for investigation of child neglect.Alysia Adams, 31, was arrested at the Grady County Sheriff’s Office and booked into jail in Caddo County on two counts of child neglect, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation&nbsp;<a href="https://nixle.us/E7FY5" target="_blank">said in a statement late Thursday</a>.The bureau said the arrest is related to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oklahoma-city-1b331093878a39b70fccfdc6ba2e47dc">the ongoing search for Athena Brownfield</a>, who was first reported missing on Tuesday from her home in Cyril, about 70 miles southwest of Oklahoma City.A postal carrier found Athena’s 5-year-old sister wandering alone outside Adams’ home on Monday afternoon and alerted Cyril police. Authorities later determined Athena was missing. The girls were in the care of Adams and her husband, and Athena’s sister was taken into protective custody, the bureau said Wednesday.The bureau released no additional information about Adams’ arrest, and it was not immediately known if she had an attorney who could comment for her.Authorities said they believe Athena was wearing a hoodie with a butterfly design when she went missing.The bureau said it was working with other law enforcement agencies and volunteers in the search, which included using a helicopter and a specially trained ground team as well as reviewing surveillace video from around Cyril. It said agents were following up on tips coming from Oklahoma and other states.

Caretaker arrested, search for missing Okla. toddler continues

From top to bottom, the Big 12 hasn't started conference play like this in a decade.

No. 11 Kansas State has already surpassed last season's overall win total and made an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll">impressive Top 25 poll debut</a>&nbsp;this week after being picked to finish last in the 10-team league with new coach Jerome Tang and a completely revamped roster.

The Wildcats (15-1) have won their first four Big 12 games, just like defending national champion No. 2 Kansas and No. 14 Iowa State, which is surging again after a surprise run to the NCAA Sweet 16 last March.

“I’m very thankful. I’ve been really blessed by God to have this opportunity,” Tang said after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-kansas-mens-state-wildcats-oklahoma-b7e78c573aa07a86d049c013c89916bf">K-State beat Oklahoma State for its ninth win in a row</a>&nbsp;before he praised his 15-player roster. “I know this is not about me.”

The Big 12 is the only league in the county with half of its teams ranked, and every team still with a winning record. That is with previously ranked teams Texas Tech and West Virginia both 0-4 in the conference.

“We’ve just got to go on a run here," Mountaineers coach Bob Huggins said. “And it’s not going to be easy.”

The last time the Big 12 had multiple teams open league play 4-0 with multiple other teams 0-4 was 2012-13, the season it became a 10-school league. There is also a lot going on in between those two extremes.

Texas (14-2, 3-1 Big 12), moving forward without fired coach Chris Beard, had its biggest comeback in 10 years by overcoming an 18-point deficit to beat TCU at home Wednesday night. The Horned Frogs (13-3, 2-2) had rallied from 17 down for a win at Baylor a week earlier.

"In the Big 12, we’re going to be in games like this all season long,” said Longhorns interim coach Rodney Terry, who is 7-1 since taking over the program when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-sports-chris-beard-texas-law-enforcement-64f650d82cd95028ad80ae5946fe2e24">Beard was suspended after an arrest on a felony domestic violence charge</a>&nbsp;before being fired last week.

TCU, which last March got its first NCAA Tournament victory in 35 years, had an 11-game winning streak until&nbsp;<a href="http://www.espn.com/video/clip?id=35400177">Gabe Kalscheur's 3-pointer with 1.3 seconds left</a>&nbsp;gave Iowa State a 69-67 win on Saturday.

“In the second half, we’ve got to pick up our pace and show our will,” TCU guard Emanuel Miller said after the Texas loss. “We’ve got to know every possession matters. In this league, you mess up one possession, it can cost you the game.”

Only six of the 20 conference games played so far have been decided by more than six points and home court hasn't been an advantage so far: Visiting teams have an 11-9 record.

“It’s reality, we play in the toughest conference in college basketball. ... We have literally no off night," Oklahoma State senior forward Kalib Boone said.

The Cowboys now go to preseason Big 12 favorite Baylor (11-5, 1-3), the national champion two seasons ago and two-time defending league champ. The Bears avoided an 0-4 start when freshman Keyonte George had 32 points in an 83-78 victory at West Virginia on Wednesday in their first game as an unranked team since the end of the 2018-19 season.

Baylor was in a school-record 65 consecutive polls until back-to-back home losses last week. The Bears lost 88-87 to TCU before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-kansas-baylor-bears-state-wildcats-oklahoma-5e33a1957953ee4fedfb1fdf11111886">K-State's overtime win in Tang's return to Waco</a>, where he was on Scott Drew's staff the previous 19 seasons.

“Coach Tang has done a great job with their chemistry, their grit, their toughness,” Drew said.

The Wildcats, off to their best overall start since 1958-59, has 10 transfers and three freshmen. The only holdovers from last season are junior forward Ismael Massoud and senior guard Markquis Nowell, the Big 12 leader with 8.8 assists a game and seventh with 17.2 points.

Kansas State debuted just outside the top 10 in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll">the same AP Top 25</a>&nbsp;that saw Iowa State made a 11-point jump from 25th. The Cyclones have won the two most-lopsided conference games so far, by 15 over Baylor on New Years' Eve and 84-50 over Texas Tech this week.

Big 12 coaches picked Iowa State to finish eighth, even after coach T.J. Otzelberger won 22 games and took the Cyclones to the Sweet 16 in his debut last season after inheriting a two-win team. Their starting lineup has a true freshman guard and four transfers.

The Cyclones play Saturday at Allen Fieldhouse, where&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-oklahoma-state-cowboys-kansas-jayhawks-mens-e63a581b1fe76f5fca56eb57d01a8cce">Kansas (15-1) just overcame a 10-point deficit</a>&nbsp;in the final five minutes for a 79-75 victory over Oklahoma.

“We told them before the game you might as well enjoy it because it is going to be a grind,” Jayhawks coach Bill Self said.

That describes just about every Big 12 game so far this season.

From top to bottom, the Big 12 hasn't started conference play like this in a decade.No. 11 Kansas State has already surpassed last season's overall win total and made an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll">impressive Top 25 poll debut</a>&nbsp;this week after being picked to finish last in the 10-team league with new coach Jerome Tang and a completely revamped roster.The Wildcats (15-1) have won their first four Big 12 games, just like defending national champion No. 2 Kansas and No. 14 Iowa State, which is surging again after a surprise run to the NCAA Sweet 16 last March.“I’m very thankful. I’ve been really blessed by God to have this opportunity,” Tang said after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-kansas-mens-state-wildcats-oklahoma-b7e78c573aa07a86d049c013c89916bf">K-State beat Oklahoma State for its ninth win in a row</a>&nbsp;before he praised his 15-player roster. “I know this is not about me.”The Big 12 is the only league in the county with half of its teams ranked, and every team still with a winning record. That is with previously ranked teams Texas Tech and West Virginia both 0-4 in the conference.“We’ve just got to go on a run here," Mountaineers coach Bob Huggins said. “And it’s not going to be easy.”The last time the Big 12 had multiple teams open league play 4-0 with multiple other teams 0-4 was 2012-13, the season it became a 10-school league. There is also a lot going on in between those two extremes.Texas (14-2, 3-1 Big 12), moving forward without fired coach Chris Beard, had its biggest comeback in 10 years by overcoming an 18-point deficit to beat TCU at home Wednesday night. The Horned Frogs (13-3, 2-2) had rallied from 17 down for a win at Baylor a week earlier."In the Big 12, we’re going to be in games like this all season long,” said Longhorns interim coach Rodney Terry, who is 7-1 since taking over the program when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-sports-chris-beard-texas-law-enforcement-64f650d82cd95028ad80ae5946fe2e24">Beard was suspended after an arrest on a felony domestic violence charge</a>&nbsp;before being fired last week.TCU, which last March got its first NCAA Tournament victory in 35 years, had an 11-game winning streak until&nbsp;<a href="http://www.espn.com/video/clip?id=35400177">Gabe Kalscheur's 3-pointer with 1.3 seconds left</a>&nbsp;gave Iowa State a 69-67 win on Saturday.“In the second half, we’ve got to pick up our pace and show our will,” TCU guard Emanuel Miller said after the Texas loss. “We’ve got to know every possession matters. In this league, you mess up one possession, it can cost you the game.”Only six of the 20 conference games played so far have been decided by more than six points and home court hasn't been an advantage so far: Visiting teams have an 11-9 record.“It’s reality, we play in the toughest conference in college basketball. ... We have literally no off night," Oklahoma State senior forward Kalib Boone said.The Cowboys now go to preseason Big 12 favorite Baylor (11-5, 1-3), the national champion two seasons ago and two-time defending league champ. The Bears avoided an 0-4 start when freshman Keyonte George had 32 points in an 83-78 victory at West Virginia on Wednesday in their first game as an unranked team since the end of the 2018-19 season.Baylor was in a school-record 65 consecutive polls until back-to-back home losses last week. The Bears lost 88-87 to TCU before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-kansas-baylor-bears-state-wildcats-oklahoma-5e33a1957953ee4fedfb1fdf11111886">K-State's overtime win in Tang's return to Waco</a>, where he was on Scott Drew's staff the previous 19 seasons.“Coach Tang has done a great job with their chemistry, their grit, their toughness,” Drew said.The Wildcats, off to their best overall start since 1958-59, has 10 transfers and three freshmen. The only holdovers from last season are junior forward Ismael Massoud and senior guard Markquis Nowell, the Big 12 leader with 8.8 assists a game and seventh with 17.2 points.Kansas State debuted just outside the top 10 in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll">the same AP Top 25</a>&nbsp;that saw Iowa State made a 11-point jump from 25th. The Cyclones have won the two most-lopsided conference games so far, by 15 over Baylor on New Years' Eve and 84-50 over Texas Tech this week.Big 12 coaches picked Iowa State to finish eighth, even after coach T.J. Otzelberger won 22 games and took the Cyclones to the Sweet 16 in his debut last season after inheriting a two-win team. Their starting lineup has a true freshman guard and four transfers.The Cyclones play Saturday at Allen Fieldhouse, where&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-oklahoma-state-cowboys-kansas-jayhawks-mens-e63a581b1fe76f5fca56eb57d01a8cce">Kansas (15-1) just overcame a 10-point deficit</a>&nbsp;in the final five minutes for a 79-75 victory over Oklahoma.“We told them before the game you might as well enjoy it because it is going to be a grind,” Jayhawks coach Bill Self said.That describes just about every Big 12 game so far this season.

Big 12 starts the season strong

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a New Year's Eve shooting released security camera images on Jan. 9 asking for help to ID a suspect. On Thursday, the Shawnee County Sheriff's office reported the public assisted in helping them identify the individual.

Just before 2a.m. Saturday, December 31, 2022, deputies were dispatched to a business inmthe 5300 block of SW Topeka Boulevard for a disturbance, according to deputy Abigail Christian.

A physical altercation began near the entrance of the business and continued into the parking lot. During the fight, multiple gunshots were fired and one person was struck. That person was taken to a local hospital with non-lifethreatening injuries.

The sheriff's office has not released details on the suspect or a possible arrest in their investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673301016811.png" alt="image Shawnee Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>image Shawnee Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a New Year's Eve shooting released security camera images on Jan. 9 asking for help to ID a suspect. On Thursday, the Shawnee County Sheriff's office reported the public assisted in helping them identify the individual.Just before 2a.m. Saturday, December 31, 2022, deputies were dispatched to a business inmthe 5300 block of SW Topeka Boulevard for a disturbance, according to deputy Abigail Christian.A physical altercation began near the entrance of the business and continued into the parking lot. During the fight, multiple gunshots were fired and one person was struck. That person was taken to a local hospital with non-lifethreatening injuries.The sheriff's office has not released details on the suspect or a possible arrest in their investigation.

Suspect in New Year's Eve shooting in Kan. identified

GEARY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged abduction and now asking the public for help to find three children.

According to Junction City Police, on December 21, Jeana Foley abducted her children identified as 6-year-old Rosie Peterson, 5-year-old Camden Peterson and 3-year-old Genevieve Peterson

On Jan. 5, a felony warrant was issued for Foley's arrest. On Wednesday, Junction City police asked the public to call 911 if you have any&nbsp; information to help bring these kids home.&nbsp;Police released no additional details in the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673546045642.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>GEARY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged abduction and now asking the public for help to find three children.According to Junction City Police, on December 21, Jeana Foley abducted her children identified as 6-year-old Rosie Peterson, 5-year-old Camden Peterson and 3-year-old Genevieve PetersonOn Jan. 5, a felony warrant was issued for Foley's arrest. On Wednesday, Junction City police asked the public to call 911 if you have any&nbsp; information to help bring these kids home.&nbsp;Police released no additional details in the case.

JCPD asks for help to find children abducted by their mother

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged aggravated criminal solicitation of children and have made an arrest.

Just after 7:30p.m. on Wednesday, police were flagged down at the intersection of Yale and Dunham by a family member stating three girls, ages 7-13, were solicited for sex by&nbsp;43-year-old Damien Henderson, according to Officer Chad Ditch.

The suspect fled from the scene before officers arrived. None of the girls were physically injured. The girls are known to each other.

The investigation revealed that the three girls were walking in the neighborhood together when Henderson walked up to them and solicited all of them for sex. The girls ran and informed their parents. 

Officers were already in the neighborhood when the adult flagged them down. Officers were given Henderson’s description and a short time later located him near 31st and K-15. 

<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20053750">Henderson was detained</a> without incident and is being held on requested charges of indecent solicitation of a child, failure to appear, failure to comply and domestic violence battery, according to online jail records.

Police notified Wichita Public Schools of the incident.&nbsp;This case will be presented to the District Attorney’s office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673528900779.png" alt="Henderson-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Henderson-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged aggravated criminal solicitation of children and have made an arrest.Just after 7:30p.m. on Wednesday, police were flagged down at the intersection of Yale and Dunham by a family member stating three girls, ages 7-13, were solicited for sex by&nbsp;43-year-old Damien Henderson, according to Officer Chad Ditch.The suspect fled from the scene before officers arrived. None of the girls were physically injured. The girls are known to each other.The investigation revealed that the three girls were walking in the neighborhood together when Henderson walked up to them and solicited all of them for sex. The girls ran and informed their parents. Officers were already in the neighborhood when the adult flagged them down. Officers were given Henderson’s description and a short time later located him near 31st and K-15. <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20053750">Henderson was detained</a> without incident and is being held on requested charges of indecent solicitation of a child, failure to appear, failure to comply and domestic violence battery, according to online jail records.Police notified Wichita Public Schools of the incident.&nbsp;This case will be presented to the District Attorney’s office.

Police: Kansas man approached 3 juveniles for sex 

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.

On Tuesday, members of the Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit and Shawnee County Drug Task Force served a search warrant in the 500 Block SE 37th Street, according to Lt. Ronnie Connell.

&nbsp;While conducting the search warrant, officers located Phencyclidine (PCP), marijuana and drug paraphernalia. They arrested 28-year-old Shawntez Holmes of Topeka on requested charges of of&nbsp;Distribution of certain hallucinogenic, drug paraphernalia with intent,&nbsp;Aggravated child endangerment, Possession of marijuana, Unlawful to acquire proceeds from drug transaction and Driving while license is suspended.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673522475002.png" alt="Holmes-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Holmes-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.On Tuesday, members of the Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit and Shawnee County Drug Task Force served a search warrant in the 500 Block SE 37th Street, according to Lt. Ronnie Connell.&nbsp;While conducting the search warrant, officers located Phencyclidine (PCP), marijuana and drug paraphernalia. They arrested 28-year-old Shawntez Holmes of Topeka on requested charges of of&nbsp;Distribution of certain hallucinogenic, drug paraphernalia with intent,&nbsp;Aggravated child endangerment, Possession of marijuana, Unlawful to acquire proceeds from drug transaction and Driving while license is suspended.

Police arrest man after finding PCP, children at Kansas home

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged arson.

Just after 11a.m. Tuesday fire crews first responded to the 1500 block of SW Cheyenne Hills Road on the report of a grass fire, according to Topeka Fire Dept. spokesperson Rosie Nichols. Firefighters were able to control the fire before structures were threatened. 

Soon after their arrival, they were alerted of a fire at a nearby assisted living facility in the 5800 block of SW Drury Lane. With the assistance of staff on-site, crews were able to extinguish the fire before major damage occurred.

Minutes after the initial fire call, more reports were received for grass and leaves on fire around a fence in the 1400 block of SW Glendale Drive. Crews from the south side of Topeka were dispatched to handle those fires due to the ongoing grass fire crews were already attending. 

Due to the proactive work and awareness from Topeka police officers, a woman matching the suspect’s description was located and questioned regarding the fires. 

After further investigation, it was determined that 43-year-old Colleen Knoxsah of Topeka was responsible for the fires, and she was arrested by a Topeka Fire Investigator with the assistance of a TPD officer, and the Chief of Investigations from the Office of the Kansas State Fire Marshal.

Knoxsah is in custody on requested charges that include three counts of arson, and one count of aggravated arson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673454350216.png" alt="Knoxsah-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Knoxsah-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged arson.Just after 11a.m. Tuesday fire crews first responded to the 1500 block of SW Cheyenne Hills Road on the report of a grass fire, according to Topeka Fire Dept. spokesperson Rosie Nichols. Firefighters were able to control the fire before structures were threatened. Soon after their arrival, they were alerted of a fire at a nearby assisted living facility in the 5800 block of SW Drury Lane. With the assistance of staff on-site, crews were able to extinguish the fire before major damage occurred.Minutes after the initial fire call, more reports were received for grass and leaves on fire around a fence in the 1400 block of SW Glendale Drive. Crews from the south side of Topeka were dispatched to handle those fires due to the ongoing grass fire crews were already attending. Due to the proactive work and awareness from Topeka police officers, a woman matching the suspect’s description was located and questioned regarding the fires. After further investigation, it was determined that 43-year-old Colleen Knoxsah of Topeka was responsible for the fires, and she was arrested by a Topeka Fire Investigator with the assistance of a TPD officer, and the Chief of Investigations from the Office of the Kansas State Fire Marshal.Knoxsah is in custody on requested charges that include three counts of arson, and one count of aggravated arson.

Kansas woman accused of setting series of fires

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities in Kansas have assisted in arresting a sex crime suspect.

Last week, the&nbsp;Schoharie County New York Sheriff's Office&nbsp;contacted officials in Kansas about a possible wanted felon located in Shawnee County, according to a media release.

The 28-year-old suspect identified as Briad D. Kosier, was wanted for an alleged sex crime against a minor. 

Deputies with the Shawnee County Fugitive Warrant Unit located the Kosier and took him into custody without incident. 

He remains in the Shawnee County Department of Corrections waiting for extradition. The bond warrant, according to online jail records is $250,000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673472138066.png" alt="Kosier-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Kosier-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities in Kansas have assisted in arresting a sex crime suspect.Last week, the&nbsp;Schoharie County New York Sheriff's Office&nbsp;contacted officials in Kansas about a possible wanted felon located in Shawnee County, according to a media release.The 28-year-old suspect identified as Briad D. Kosier, was wanted for an alleged sex crime against a minor. Deputies with the Shawnee County Fugitive Warrant Unit located the Kosier and took him into custody without incident. He remains in the Shawnee County Department of Corrections waiting for extradition. The bond warrant, according to online jail records is $250,000.

New York child sex crime suspect captured in Kansas

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man accused in the&nbsp;&nbsp;alleged kidnappings involving three juveniles near a Kansas elementary school made his first court appearance Tuesday.

<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20063339">&nbsp;Manasseh Ward, 21, Wichita,</a> is charged with kidnapping, 4 counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child, aggravated kidnapping, 3 counts of aggravated criminal sodomy, 2 counts of attempted rape, aggravated assault and interference with law enforcement, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Just before 4p.m. January 4, a teenage girl reported being kidnapped by a bi-racial man driving a blue vehicle in the 6600 block of East Boston in Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch.

 The man attempted to sexually assault the girl in the car. The man let the child go and she reported the incident to a family member.

Just before 9a.m. January 5, two elementary-aged children, a boy and girl, left their home on foot in the 900 block of South Drury to head to Clark Elementary School at 650 S Apache in Wichita.

A man in a blue vehicle kidnapped the children. The suspect put both kids in his vehicle and then drove away. A short time later he dropped the boy victim off and left with the girl..

While gathering information officers were patrolling the area and located the suspect vehicle and attempted to stop it. &nbsp;A brief foot pursuit occurred and officers took Ward into custody in the 6600 block of East Boston.&nbsp; 

<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20063339">He is being held on $1, 600,000 bond.</a>&nbsp;The next court hearing in the case is January 26, according to the district attorney's office. His bond in an earlier probation violation is one-million dollar

In September, police arrested Ward on requested charges of of aggravated domestic battery, according to Sedgwick County booking report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673010286685.png" alt="Ward-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Ward-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man accused in the&nbsp;&nbsp;alleged kidnappings involving three juveniles near a Kansas elementary school made his first court appearance Tuesday.<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20063339">&nbsp;Manasseh Ward, 21, Wichita,</a> is charged with kidnapping, 4 counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child, aggravated kidnapping, 3 counts of aggravated criminal sodomy, 2 counts of attempted rape, aggravated assault and interference with law enforcement, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Just before 4p.m. January 4, a teenage girl reported being kidnapped by a bi-racial man driving a blue vehicle in the 6600 block of East Boston in Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch. The man attempted to sexually assault the girl in the car. The man let the child go and she reported the incident to a family member.Just before 9a.m. January 5, two elementary-aged children, a boy and girl, left their home on foot in the 900 block of South Drury to head to Clark Elementary School at 650 S Apache in Wichita.A man in a blue vehicle kidnapped the children. The suspect put both kids in his vehicle and then drove away. A short time later he dropped the boy victim off and left with the girl..While gathering information officers were patrolling the area and located the suspect vehicle and attempted to stop it. &nbsp;A brief foot pursuit occurred and officers took Ward into custody in the 6600 block of East Boston.&nbsp; <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20063339">He is being held on $1, 600,000 bond.</a>&nbsp;The next court hearing in the case is January 26, according to the district attorney's office. His bond in an earlier probation violation is one-million dollarIn September, police arrested Ward on requested charges of of aggravated domestic battery, according to Sedgwick County booking report.

Man charged in kidnapping, sex assault of kids near Kan. school

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Bills safety Damar Hamlin was released from a Buffalo hospital on Wednesday, more than a week after he went into cardiac arrest and had to be resuscitated during a game at Cincinnati, after his doctors said they completed a series of tests.

A news release from the Bills quoted Dr. Jamie Nadler as saying: “We have completed a series of tests and evaluation and in consultation with the team physicians, we are confident that Damar can be safely discharged.” Nadler said Hamlin will continue his rehabilitation with the Bills.

Hamlin is going home after spending two days undergoing tests at Buffalo General Medical Center. He was transferred to Buffalo after spending last week at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where the 24-year-old from the Pittsburgh area experienced what doctors called “a remarkable recovery.”

Hamlin collapsed on the field after being struck in the chest by Bengals receiver Tee Higgins while making what appeared to be a routine tackle during the first quarter of Buffalo’s since-canceled game at Cincinnati on Jan. 2.

He spent the first two days in hospital under sedation. He was awakened and able to grip people’s hands at his bedside, and eventually taken off a ventilator and able to address his teammates on Friday.

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Bills safety Damar Hamlin was released from a Buffalo hospital on Wednesday, more than a week after he went into cardiac arrest and had to be resuscitated during a game at Cincinnati, after his doctors said they completed a series of tests.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">An amazing Damar Hamlin update. ❤️💙 <a href="https://t.co/GyP2uDQry0">pic.twitter.com/GyP2uDQry0</a>&mdash; Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) <a href="https://twitter.com/BuffaloBills/status/1613211636990644224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>A news release from the Bills quoted Dr. Jamie Nadler as saying: “We have completed a series of tests and evaluation and in consultation with the team physicians, we are confident that Damar can be safely discharged.” Nadler said Hamlin will continue his rehabilitation with the Bills.Hamlin is going home after spending two days undergoing tests at Buffalo General Medical Center. He was transferred to Buffalo after spending last week at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where the 24-year-old from the Pittsburgh area experienced what doctors called “a remarkable recovery.”Hamlin collapsed on the field after being struck in the chest by Bengals receiver Tee Higgins while making what appeared to be a routine tackle during the first quarter of Buffalo’s since-canceled game at Cincinnati on Jan. 2.He spent the first two days in hospital under sedation. He was awakened and able to grip people’s hands at his bedside, and eventually taken off a ventilator and able to address his teammates on Friday.

Bill's Damar Hamlin released from Buffalo hospital

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Attorneys for a Missouri man scheduled to be executed next month are seeking a new hearing, citing sworn statements they call “clear and convincing evidence” that he didn't kill his girlfriend and her three children.

Leonard Taylor, 58, is scheduled to die by injection Feb. 7 for the 2004 killings of Angela Rowe, 28, along with her 10-year-old daughter Alexus Conley, 6-year-old daughter AcQreya Conley, and 5-year-old son Tyrese Conley. All four were found shot inside their home in the St. Louis County town of Jennings in 2004.

But on Friday, Taylor's attorneys asked St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell for a new hearing. A spokesman for Bell said Monday that the request is being reviewed.

A year-old provision in a Missouri law allows a prosecutor to file a motion asking for a hearing before a judge if there is new evidence of a wrongful conviction. Bell is a Democrat first elected in 2018. He created a Conviction and Incident Review Unit responsible for looking at, among other things, potential cases of wrongful convictions.

At issue are new sworn statements from Taylor's daughter, now 31, her sister and her mother. They claim that Taylor was in California at the time of the killings.

Police discovered the bodies on Dec. 3, 2004, after worried relatives requested a welfare check. Taylor, who had an extensive criminal record and was the live-in boyfriend of Angela Rowe, was arrested days later.

It's not known exactly when Rowe and her children were killed. The Missouri Attorney General's office believes it was before Taylor flew to California on Nov. 26, 2004.

But in the new filing, Taylor's attorneys said that while in California, Taylor met for the first time a girl he had fathered 13 years earlier. The statement from Deja Taylor said she and her father called Angela Rowe during his visit. She said she spoke with Rowe and one of the children — proof, Taylor's lawyers contend, that the family was still alive after Taylor left Missouri.

Deja Taylor's mother and sister corroborated her story, the court filing stated.

“All of the evidence in this case, both old and new, presents a compelling case that Leonard Taylor could not have possibly committed these murders because he was out of the state from the early morning hours of November 26, 2004, until he was arrested in Kentucky and returned to Missouri on December 9, 2004,” the court filing states.

A spokeswoman for Republican Attorney General Andrew Bailey declined comment.

JENNINGS, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri inmate facing execution next month for allegedly killing his girlfriend and her three children in Jennings in 2004 has produced statements that he was 1800 miles away when the slayings took place.

Leonard Taylor, 45, is scheduled to be executed by lethal injection on Feb. 7 for allegedly killing Angela Rowe, her two young daughters and her young son in November 2004.

<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/lawyers-claim-jennings-man-on-death-row-was-1-800-miles-away-at-time-of/article_2916e903-3c5b-531c-afc1-5acdf592337e.html#tracking-source=home-top-story">The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported</a>&nbsp;Monday that Taylor's attorneys, Kent Gipson and Kevin Schriener, have obtained statements from Taylor’s now 31-year-old daughter and her mother claiming that he was in California in November 2004 and couldn’t have committed the murders.

Taylor's attorneys hope to trigger a provision in a state law that allows a prosecutor to request a hearing before a judge if he or she has information that a defendant could be innocent or erroneously convicted. Christopher King, a spokesman for St. Louis County prosecutor Wesley Bell, said Monday that prosecutors were reviewing the new information.

Prosecutors have alleged that Taylor killed the family, admitted it in a phone call to his brother and fled to California.

Taylor has claimed Rowe and the children were still alive when he boarded a flight from Lambert Field to Ontario, California, on the morning of Nov. 26, 2004.

Police discovered the bodies of Rowe, 28; her daughters, Alexus Conley, 10, and AcQreya Conley, 6; and her son, Tyrese Conley, 5, on Dec. 3 at a house. All four had been shot.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673437071153.png" alt="Taylor-photo MODOC" />
 <figcaption>Taylor-photo MODOC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — Attorneys for a Missouri man scheduled to be executed next month are seeking a new hearing, citing sworn statements they call “clear and convincing evidence” that he didn't kill his girlfriend and her three children.Leonard Taylor, 58, is scheduled to die by injection Feb. 7 for the 2004 killings of Angela Rowe, 28, along with her 10-year-old daughter Alexus Conley, 6-year-old daughter AcQreya Conley, and 5-year-old son Tyrese Conley. All four were found shot inside their home in the St. Louis County town of Jennings in 2004.But on Friday, Taylor's attorneys asked St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell for a new hearing. A spokesman for Bell said Monday that the request is being reviewed.A year-old provision in a Missouri law allows a prosecutor to file a motion asking for a hearing before a judge if there is new evidence of a wrongful conviction. Bell is a Democrat first elected in 2018. He created a Conviction and Incident Review Unit responsible for looking at, among other things, potential cases of wrongful convictions.At issue are new sworn statements from Taylor's daughter, now 31, her sister and her mother. They claim that Taylor was in California at the time of the killings.Police discovered the bodies on Dec. 3, 2004, after worried relatives requested a welfare check. Taylor, who had an extensive criminal record and was the live-in boyfriend of Angela Rowe, was arrested days later.It's not known exactly when Rowe and her children were killed. The Missouri Attorney General's office believes it was before Taylor flew to California on Nov. 26, 2004.But in the new filing, Taylor's attorneys said that while in California, Taylor met for the first time a girl he had fathered 13 years earlier. The statement from Deja Taylor said she and her father called Angela Rowe during his visit. She said she spoke with Rowe and one of the children — proof, Taylor's lawyers contend, that the family was still alive after Taylor left Missouri.Deja Taylor's mother and sister corroborated her story, the court filing stated.“All of the evidence in this case, both old and new, presents a compelling case that Leonard Taylor could not have possibly committed these murders because he was out of the state from the early morning hours of November 26, 2004, until he was arrested in Kentucky and returned to Missouri on December 9, 2004,” the court filing states.A spokeswoman for Republican Attorney General Andrew Bailey declined comment.-------------JENNINGS, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri inmate facing execution next month for allegedly killing his girlfriend and her three children in Jennings in 2004 has produced statements that he was 1800 miles away when the slayings took place.Leonard Taylor, 45, is scheduled to be executed by lethal injection on Feb. 7 for allegedly killing Angela Rowe, her two young daughters and her young son in November 2004.<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/lawyers-claim-jennings-man-on-death-row-was-1-800-miles-away-at-time-of/article_2916e903-3c5b-531c-afc1-5acdf592337e.html#tracking-source=home-top-story">The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported</a>&nbsp;Monday that Taylor's attorneys, Kent Gipson and Kevin Schriener, have obtained statements from Taylor’s now 31-year-old daughter and her mother claiming that he was in California in November 2004 and couldn’t have committed the murders.Taylor's attorneys hope to trigger a provision in a state law that allows a prosecutor to request a hearing before a judge if he or she has information that a defendant could be innocent or erroneously convicted. Christopher King, a spokesman for St. Louis County prosecutor Wesley Bell, said Monday that prosecutors were reviewing the new information.Prosecutors have alleged that Taylor killed the family, admitted it in a phone call to his brother and fled to California.Taylor has claimed Rowe and the children were still alive when he boarded a flight from Lambert Field to Ontario, California, on the morning of Nov. 26, 2004.Police discovered the bodies of Rowe, 28; her daughters, Alexus Conley, 10, and AcQreya Conley, 6; and her son, Tyrese Conley, 5, on Dec. 3 at a house. All four had been shot.A jury convicted Taylor in 2008.

Inmate facing Feb. execution has new alibi in quadruple slaying

MONTGOMERY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for alleged child rape.

Just after 11:30a.m. Jan. 8, Sheriff's Detectives, along with Agents from Kansas Bureau of Investigations, arrived at 5130 County Road 5600 Cherryvale, Kansas to serve a felony rape of a minor and criminal threat warrant on 32-year-old Niklas Nelson, according to Sheriff Ron Wade.

 Upon arrival, agents and detectives contacted Nelson’s father and learned that Nelson was hiding inside the large metal shop on the property, in the second level/roof area. He also possibly had a handgun in his possession. 

 Agents and detectives surrounded the large shop and began attempting to call Nelson out using a PA system and started the armed and barricaded subject procedure. 

 Detectives obtained a search warrant for the property.  The Montgomery County Emergency Response Team (SERT) was activated and responded to the scene.  KBI responded with their Armored Rescue Vehicle for the SERT team to use.  Kansas Highway Patrol responded with their helicopter to assist in case Nelson fled on foot. 

 The SERT team started evaluating the situation.  With the use of less lethal chemicals, and other less lethal tools, the SERT team was able to take Nelson into custody. 

Nelson was transported to the Montgomery County Department of Corrections where he was booked into DOC on the arrest warrant with requested charges of rape, interference with law enforcement, and possession of methamphetamine.  The case has been submitted to the Montgomery County Attorney’s Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673366027322.png" alt="Nelson-photo Montgomery Co." />
 <figcaption>Nelson-photo Montgomery Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>MONTGOMERY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for alleged child rape.Just after 11:30a.m. Jan. 8, Sheriff's Detectives, along with Agents from Kansas Bureau of Investigations, arrived at 5130 County Road 5600 Cherryvale, Kansas to serve a felony rape of a minor and criminal threat warrant on 32-year-old Niklas Nelson, according to Sheriff Ron Wade. Upon arrival, agents and detectives contacted Nelson’s father and learned that Nelson was hiding inside the large metal shop on the property, in the second level/roof area. He also possibly had a handgun in his possession. Agents and detectives surrounded the large shop and began attempting to call Nelson out using a PA system and started the armed and barricaded subject procedure. Detectives obtained a search warrant for the property. The Montgomery County Emergency Response Team (SERT) was activated and responded to the scene. KBI responded with their Armored Rescue Vehicle for the SERT team to use. Kansas Highway Patrol responded with their helicopter to assist in case Nelson fled on foot. The SERT team started evaluating the situation. With the use of less lethal chemicals, and other less lethal tools, the SERT team was able to take Nelson into custody. Nelson was transported to the Montgomery County Department of Corrections where he was booked into DOC on the arrest warrant with requested charges of rape, interference with law enforcement, and possession of methamphetamine. The case has been submitted to the Montgomery County Attorney’s Office.

Kan. child rape suspect in custody after standoff with KBI

ATCHINSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new drug charges after a weekend arrest.&nbsp;

Just before 6:30p.m. Saturday, police arrested 24-year-old&nbsp;Austin L. Lurquin of Atchison, in the 1600 block of Main on District and Municipal Court warrants for failure to appear in court, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

He is also facing requested charges of possession of fentanyl after officers found it on his person.&nbsp;

In January of 2022, police arrested him for alleged drug possession, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673273013220.png" alt="Lurquin-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Lurquin-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHINSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new drug charges after a weekend arrest.&nbsp;Just before 6:30p.m. Saturday, police arrested 24-year-old&nbsp;Austin L. Lurquin of Atchison, in the 1600 block of Main on District and Municipal Court warrants for failure to appear in court, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.He is also facing requested charges of possession of fentanyl after officers found it on his person.&nbsp;In January of 2022, police arrested him for alleged drug possession, according to online jail records.

Police found fentanyl during arrest, booking of Kan. man

Correction 4:00 p.m., Jan. 10: This story&nbsp;incorrectly posted the name of the arrested person in this story. A correction has been made to note: Kezia Shibler was arrested in this incident.

RILEY COUNTY—Police arrested a Riley County woman after a 2-vehicle crash that occurred just after 8a.m. Monday in Manhattan.

According to the Riley County Police Department activity report a 2023 Kia Forte driven by Kezia Shibler, 26, of Riley, was southbound on Seth Child Road at Kimball Avenue.&nbsp;

A 2011 Toyota Prius driven by Alorrah Wileman, 19, of Manhattan pulled onto Seth Child Road from Gary Avenue in front of the Kia narrowly avoiding a crash. 

Shibler then sped up, passed the Prius, switched lanes to get in front of the Toyota then hit her brakes. This caused caused the Prius to rear-end the Kia. 

Following an investigation, police arrested Shibler on a requested charge of aggravated battery. She was issued a total bond of $5,000, and is no longer in custody. There were no major injuries reported, according to the RCPD.

Correction 4:00 p.m., Jan. 10: This story&nbsp;incorrectly posted the name of the arrested person in this story. A correction has been made to note: Kezia Shibler was arrested in this incident.RILEY COUNTY—Police arrested a Riley County woman after a 2-vehicle crash that occurred just after 8a.m. Monday in Manhattan.According to the Riley County Police Department activity report a 2023 Kia Forte driven by Kezia Shibler, 26, of Riley, was southbound on Seth Child Road at Kimball Avenue.&nbsp;A 2011 Toyota Prius driven by Alorrah Wileman, 19, of Manhattan pulled onto Seth Child Road from Gary Avenue in front of the Kia narrowly avoiding a crash. Shibler then sped up, passed the Prius, switched lanes to get in front of the Toyota then hit her brakes. This caused caused the Prius to rear-end the Kia. Following an investigation, police arrested Shibler on a requested charge of aggravated battery. She was issued a total bond of $5,000, and is no longer in custody. There were no major injuries reported, according to the RCPD.

UPDATE: Riley Co. woman arrested after allegedly causing rear-end crash

OKLAHOMA COUNTY —Oklahoma City Police have made an arrest in the New Year's Day shooting that left a Fort Hays State University student-athlete dead.

J'Coal Glover, 30, was taken into custody Jan. 7 after a review of security camera footage at the scene of the shooting, which left Daniel Howard, 20, fatally injured and five others with gunshot wounds.

The shooting occurred after a fight that had broken out inside the Sunset Patio Lounge spilled into the parking lot outside.

According to the probable cause affidavit, security footage showed Glover leaving the scene, retrieving an item from a vehicle and returning. A second suspect, using Glover as concealment, was then seen firing multiple rounds at the victims. Records indicate Glover did not fire the weapon.

Glover and the second unidentified suspect then fled the scene, according to records.

Glover was arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder and denied bail, according to the Oklahoma County Detention Center admissions document.

Howard played two years at Northeastern Oklahoma A&amp;M before transferring to FHSU in the spring of 2022. Howard, a defensive back, played in all 11 games last season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673372993423.jpeg" alt="Glover / Oklahoma County Detention Center" />
 <figcaption>Glover / Oklahoma County Detention Center</figcaption>
 </figure>OKLAHOMA COUNTY —Oklahoma City Police have made an arrest in the New Year's Day shooting that left a Fort Hays State University student-athlete dead.J'Coal Glover, 30, was taken into custody Jan. 7 after a review of security camera footage at the scene of the shooting, which left Daniel Howard, 20, fatally injured and five others with gunshot wounds.The shooting occurred after a fight that had broken out inside the Sunset Patio Lounge spilled into the parking lot outside.According to the probable cause affidavit, security footage showed Glover leaving the scene, retrieving an item from a vehicle and returning. A second suspect, using Glover as concealment, was then seen firing multiple rounds at the victims. Records indicate Glover did not fire the weapon.Glover and the second unidentified suspect then fled the scene, according to records.Glover was arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder and denied bail, according to the Oklahoma County Detention Center admissions document.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1672768574845.jpeg" alt="Howard-photo courtesy FHSU" />
 <figcaption>Howard-photo courtesy FHSU</figcaption>
 </figure>Howard played two years at Northeastern Oklahoma A&amp;M before transferring to FHSU in the spring of 2022. Howard, a defensive back, played in all 11 games last season.

Suspect arrested in shooting that killed FHSU player

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal gunfight and have made two arrests.

Just after noon January 5, police were dispatched to a shooting at a home in the 2300 block of North Piatt in Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch.

Officers arrived on the scene and located 43-year-old Mareo Dupree with a gunshot wound to his torso and he was conscious and breathing. 

While officers were investigating, 47-year-old Jamar White arrived at a local hospital with a gunshot wound to his upper body. EMS transported Dupree was to an area hospital where he later died, according to Ditch.

The investigation revealed that there had been a feud over a drug debt between White and the occupants of the residence including Dupree and&nbsp;30-year-old Darries Mitchell.

White drove by the residence a couple of times firing rounds at the house before an exchange of gunfire occurred between Mitchell and White.

Police arrested Mitchell on a requested charge of Aggravated Battery and White on a requested charge of 1st Degree Murder.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673361937461.png" alt="White-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>White-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal gunfight and have made two arrests.Just after noon January 5, police were dispatched to a shooting at a home in the 2300 block of North Piatt in Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch.Officers arrived on the scene and located 43-year-old Mareo Dupree with a gunshot wound to his torso and he was conscious and breathing. While officers were investigating, 47-year-old Jamar White arrived at a local hospital with a gunshot wound to his upper body. EMS transported Dupree was to an area hospital where he later died, according to Ditch.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673362007556.png" alt="Mitchell-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Mitchell-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>The investigation revealed that there had been a feud over a drug debt between White and the occupants of the residence including Dupree and&nbsp;30-year-old Darries Mitchell.White drove by the residence a couple of times firing rounds at the house before an exchange of gunfire occurred between Mitchell and White.Police arrested Mitchell on a requested charge of Aggravated Battery and White on a requested charge of 1st Degree Murder.