By RACHEL MIPRO <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/11/23/new-kansas-crime-tracking-system-halfway-completed-officials-say/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA
 — The Kansas Bureau of Investigation director said the agency’s new 
data tracking system is about halfway complete and will create a better 
overview of the state’s crime problem, including a potential rise in 
fentanyl cases.

During a Tuesday legislative budget 
hearing, KBI director Kirk Thompson said the new system would store 
details about criminals that the old system isn’t equipped for, 
including socioeconomic conditions, geographic details and other 
relevant case features.

“We’ll know a lot more about each 
individual case. Whether it was homicide by knife, homicide by firearm 
and much, much more granular information about crime in our state,” 
Thompson said.

The old data system, the Kansas 
Incident Based Reporting System, hasn’t been changed in decades. It 
contains all the data from criminal reports submitted by law enforcement
 agencies across the state. Thompson said more than 250,000 offense and 
arrest reports are added into the system each year, and are used to gain
 a sense of Kansas crime rates and areas of concern.

Thompson said he was concerned the 
old system would break down, because it was built with technology that 
is no longer used today, and that it can only provide basic crime 
statistics. KIBRS was created in 1993 and was last updated in 2001.

“This particular system is well 
beyond its effective lifecycle, and the technologies it’s built upon are
 no longer supported,” Thompson said. “The data security of those 
technologies is questionable, and it’s absolutely inflexible as to 
questions regarding what is going on in our state.”

Thompson said the new information 
system being developed will provide much more detailed and timely crime 
data. The system was funded through an $3 million federal grant, along 
with some internal funding for an assessment of system priorities and 
needs.

Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, said the KBI needs to examine data surrounding fentanyl cases.

“I think this is just coming into 
Kansas like water, and I think if we don’t get a handle on it, we’re 
going to have so many young people dead, it’s going to be a sad day,” 
Billinger said.

Thompson said the update was urgently needed for examining data in all criminal cases.

“There’s really nothing we can do with this antiquated system,” Thompson said. “It can’t be changed.”

During the hearing, predictions of 
revenue for the upcoming year also were discussed. Forecasts show rough 
times ahead for farmers across the state.

Kansas has experienced steady growth 
in farm income over the past few years, according to the Kansas 
Legislative Research Department and Kansas Division of the Budget, which
 released estimates ahead of Tuesday’s budget hearing.

But drought and rising material costs
 are predicted to negatively impact farmers, especially with western 
Kansas struggling with drought since early 2019.

“We’ve seen some declines in 2022, 
and it’s really all around drought conditions and lack of rain in other 
places as well,” said J.G. Scott, director of legislative research. 
“We’re not projecting that we’re going to be able to keep up with that 
production as much as we would like, though it’s still high.”

Corn, soybean, wheat and sorghum crop
 yields decreased by 20% compared to 2021. Overall, Kansas’ agricultural
 exports for this year are still expected to have the same value as last
 year, in the range of $5 billion.

Kansas’ unemployment rate decreased 
by 0.6% percentage points from 2021 to 2022, shifting from 3.2% to 2.6%.
 In 2023, unemployment rates are predicted to have a slight increase, 
rising to 3.5% overall unemployment.

Job recovery is also on the rise — 
Kansas lost 157,400 jobs between February and April of 2020 and has 
recovered more than 80% of these lost jobs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669223938744.jpg" alt="The new Kansas crime-tracking system will give officers a better sense of problem areas, official say. Pixabay photo" />
 <figcaption>The new Kansas crime-tracking system will give officers a better sense of problem areas, official say. Pixabay photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By RACHEL MIPRO <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/11/23/new-kansas-crime-tracking-system-halfway-completed-officials-say/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA
 — The Kansas Bureau of Investigation director said the agency’s new 
data tracking system is about halfway complete and will create a better 
overview of the state’s crime problem, including a potential rise in 
fentanyl cases.During a Tuesday legislative budget 
hearing, KBI director Kirk Thompson said the new system would store 
details about criminals that the old system isn’t equipped for, 
including socioeconomic conditions, geographic details and other 
relevant case features.“We’ll know a lot more about each 
individual case. Whether it was homicide by knife, homicide by firearm 
and much, much more granular information about crime in our state,” 
Thompson said.The old data system, the Kansas 
Incident Based Reporting System, hasn’t been changed in decades. It 
contains all the data from criminal reports submitted by law enforcement
 agencies across the state. Thompson said more than 250,000 offense and 
arrest reports are added into the system each year, and are used to gain
 a sense of Kansas crime rates and areas of concern.Thompson said he was concerned the 
old system would break down, because it was built with technology that 
is no longer used today, and that it can only provide basic crime 
statistics. KIBRS was created in 1993 and was last updated in 2001.“This particular system is well 
beyond its effective lifecycle, and the technologies it’s built upon are
 no longer supported,” Thompson said. “The data security of those 
technologies is questionable, and it’s absolutely inflexible as to 
questions regarding what is going on in our state.”Thompson said the new information 
system being developed will provide much more detailed and timely crime 
data. The system was funded through an $3 million federal grant, along 
with some internal funding for an assessment of system priorities and 
needs.Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, said the KBI needs to examine data surrounding fentanyl cases.“I think this is just coming into 
Kansas like water, and I think if we don’t get a handle on it, we’re 
going to have so many young people dead, it’s going to be a sad day,” 
Billinger said.Thompson said the update was urgently needed for examining data in all criminal cases.“There’s really nothing we can do with this antiquated system,” Thompson said. “It can’t be changed.”During the hearing, predictions of 
revenue for the upcoming year also were discussed. Forecasts show rough 
times ahead for farmers across the state.Kansas has experienced steady growth 
in farm income over the past few years, according to the Kansas 
Legislative Research Department and Kansas Division of the Budget, which
 released estimates ahead of Tuesday’s budget hearing.But drought and rising material costs
 are predicted to negatively impact farmers, especially with western 
Kansas struggling with drought since early 2019.“We’ve seen some declines in 2022, 
and it’s really all around drought conditions and lack of rain in other 
places as well,” said J.G. Scott, director of legislative research. 
“We’re not projecting that we’re going to be able to keep up with that 
production as much as we would like, though it’s still high.”Corn, soybean, wheat and sorghum crop
 yields decreased by 20% compared to 2021. Overall, Kansas’ agricultural
 exports for this year are still expected to have the same value as last
 year, in the range of $5 billion.Kansas’ unemployment rate decreased 
by 0.6% percentage points from 2021 to 2022, shifting from 3.2% to 2.6%.
 In 2023, unemployment rates are predicted to have a slight increase, 
rising to 3.5% overall unemployment.Job recovery is also on the rise — 
Kansas lost 157,400 jobs between February and April of 2020 and has 
recovered more than 80% of these lost jobs.

Officials: New Kan. crime-tracking system halfway complete

GARDEN CITY — At approximately 10:40 p.m. Tuesday, officers of the Garden City Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a Chevrolet Silverado in the 1200 block of North Eighth. Officers had prior knowledge that the license plate was stolen out of Garden City, according to a media release.

Officers made contact with Emilio Gomez, 27, and Sarah Paz, 41, both of Garden City. After investigation, a search of the vehicle was conducted, where suspected methamphetamine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia and a firearm were located. Gomez and Paz were arrested at the scene.

Gomez and Paz were lodged in the Finney County jail on suspicion of: • Distribution of methamphetamine • Distribution of marijuana • Distribution of drug paraphernalia • Criminal use of a weapon by a person addicted to a controlled substance • Driving while suspended

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669233577945.jpeg" alt="Gomez" />
 <figcaption>Gomez</figcaption>
 </figure>GARDEN CITY — At approximately 10:40 p.m. Tuesday, officers of the Garden City Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a Chevrolet Silverado in the 1200 block of North Eighth. Officers had prior knowledge that the license plate was stolen out of Garden City, according to a media release.Officers made contact with Emilio Gomez, 27, and Sarah Paz, 41, both of Garden City. After investigation, a search of the vehicle was conducted, where suspected methamphetamine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia and a firearm were located. Gomez and Paz were arrested at the scene.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669233599933.jpeg" alt="Paz" />
 <figcaption>Paz</figcaption>
 </figure>Gomez and Paz were lodged in the Finney County jail on suspicion of: • Distribution of methamphetamine • Distribution of marijuana • Distribution of drug paraphernalia • Criminal use of a weapon by a person addicted to a controlled substance • Driving while suspended

Two from Garden City arrested for alleged drug distribution

PHILADELPHIA
 (AP) — Four students were injured in an apparent drive-by shooting 
shortly after their Philadelphia high school let out early for the day 
late Wednesday morning, a city schools spokesperson said.

City 
police said a 15-year-old girl was shot in the shoulder and thigh, a 
15-year-old girl was shot in the shoulder, a 16-year-old boy suffered a 
graze wound to the face and a gunshot wound to the hand, and a 
16-year-old boy was shot in the leg. All four were getting hospital 
treatment and were in stable condition.

Police said no arrest has been made and no weapon was recovered.

The
 shooting took place about a block from Overbrook High School in West 
Philadelphia, where school let out early because of parent-teacher 
conferences, the district’s deputy chief of communications, Monique 
Braxton, said in a phone interview.

Braxton said the district's Office of School Safety told her the students were at a corner store when the shooting occurred.

“We
 don't know who was targeted, if any of the four of them were targeted,”
 Braxton said. Parents were being notified early Wednesday afternoon.

“This is outrageous, that young people would be shot shortly after being dismissed from their high school,” Braxton said.

Officer
 Miguel Torres, a spokesperson for the Philadelphia Police Department, 
said that the shooting occurred around 11:30 a.m. He said victims were 
taken to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center and Lankenau Medical Center.

PHILADELPHIA
 (AP) — Four students were injured in an apparent drive-by shooting 
shortly after their Philadelphia high school let out early for the day 
late Wednesday morning, a city schools spokesperson said.City 
police said a 15-year-old girl was shot in the shoulder and thigh, a 
15-year-old girl was shot in the shoulder, a 16-year-old boy suffered a 
graze wound to the face and a gunshot wound to the hand, and a 
16-year-old boy was shot in the leg. All four were getting hospital 
treatment and were in stable condition.Police said no arrest has been made and no weapon was recovered.The
 shooting took place about a block from Overbrook High School in West 
Philadelphia, where school let out early because of parent-teacher 
conferences, the district’s deputy chief of communications, Monique 
Braxton, said in a phone interview.Braxton said the district's Office of School Safety told her the students were at a corner store when the shooting occurred.“We
 don't know who was targeted, if any of the four of them were targeted,”
 Braxton said. Parents were being notified early Wednesday afternoon.“This is outrageous, that young people would be shot shortly after being dismissed from their high school,” Braxton said.Officer
 Miguel Torres, a spokesperson for the Philadelphia Police Department, 
said that the shooting occurred around 11:30 a.m. He said victims were 
taken to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center and Lankenau Medical Center.

Officials: 4 Philly high school students shot near school

Authorities seeking father in connection to the investigation

GARDEN CITY — At approximately 3 p.m. Tuesday, Finney County Sheriff's deputies responses to the 6000 block of Skyline Drive to a report of a choking, unresponsive infant.

Upon arrival, deputies found the infant on the floor barely breathing and immediately noticed drugs and drug paraphernalia in the home, the smell of burnt marijuana. They suspected the infant could be suffering from a drug overdose, according to a news release Wednesday. 

The infant was transported to St. Catherine’s Hospital and deputies secured the home. The infant has since been released from the hsopital. 

After a search warrant for the residence was secured, a search of the residence resulted in the location and seizure of the following:

• Approximately 5500 counterfeit pills that tested presumptively positive for Fentanyl

• Approximately 59.5 grams of suspected Marijuana packaged for distribution

The infant’s mother, Johanna Martinez, 21, was arrested on suspicion of aggravated child endangerment, fentanyl distribution, marijuana distribution, possession of THC, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The investigation is ongoing.&nbsp;The Finney County Sheriff’s Office is still looking for the infant’s father, Carlos Rascon, 20, in relation to this case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669224563801.png" alt="Finney County photo" />
 <figcaption>Finney County photo</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Authorities seeking father in connection to the investigation</h2>GARDEN CITY — At approximately 3 p.m. Tuesday, Finney County Sheriff's deputies responses to the 6000 block of Skyline Drive to a report of a choking, unresponsive infant.Upon arrival, deputies found the infant on the floor barely breathing and immediately noticed drugs and drug paraphernalia in the home, the smell of burnt marijuana. They suspected the infant could be suffering from a drug overdose, according to a news release Wednesday. The infant was transported to St. Catherine’s Hospital and deputies secured the home. The infant has since been released from the hsopital. After a search warrant for the residence was secured, a search of the residence resulted in the location and seizure of the following:• Approximately 5500 counterfeit pills that tested presumptively positive for Fentanyl• Approximately 59.5 grams of suspected Marijuana packaged for distribution• THC products• Several items of drug paraphernaliaThe infant’s mother, Johanna Martinez, 21, was arrested on suspicion of aggravated child endangerment, fentanyl distribution, marijuana distribution, possession of THC, and possession of drug paraphernalia.The investigation is ongoing.&nbsp;The Finney County Sheriff’s Office is still looking for the infant’s father, Carlos Rascon, 20, in relation to this case.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669225953928.png" alt="Finney County photo" />
 <figcaption>Finney County photo</figcaption>
 </figure>

After infant hospitalized, mother arrested on suspicion of drug crimes

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

A Salina man 
was arrested on multiple requested charges including aggravated battery 
and abuse of a child after alleged incidents over a three-week period.

Officers
 were sent to the apartments at 1310 E. North Street on Monday after a 
neighbor reported hearing banging and screaming, Salina Police Captain 
Paul Forrester said this morning.

When officers arrived, they made contact with a 42-year-old woman  
who lives in the apartment with her two children - ages four and two - 
and her fiance, identified as Quincy Williams, 29, of Salina. Forrester 
said the woman told officers that over the past three weeks, she had 
several altercations with Williams.

She said the first incident 
occurred approximately three weeks ago in the basement of their 
apartment when Williams allegedly punched her in the face and ripped an 
earring from her ear, Forrester said. 

On Saturday, Williams 
allegedly punched her in the face again, this time while they were in a 
car at a southwest Salina convenience store. The woman was in the 
driver's seat, Williams was in the passenger seat, and the children were
 in the back seat, Forrester said. On Monday, she still appeared to have
 injuries from the Saturday incident, he added.

On Monday, the 
woman and Williams got into an argument over gas money. Williams 
allegedly got upset after making some phone calls and the woman tried to
 calm him down, Forrester said.

Williams allegedly threw a metal 
shelf causing a ceramic jar to break. He also allegedly damaged an air 
conditioning vent, Forrester said.

At that point, the woman went 
upstairs to where the children were and Williams followed her. Forrester
 said Williams allegedly began punching the four-year-old girl, and when
 the woman tried to intervene, Williams allegedly pushed her to the 
ground. At some point during the altercation, Williams allegedly went to
 the kitchen and retrieved what was possibly a steak knife.

Forrester
 said the girl had bruising on her face and a scratch on her chest. She 
told officers that the scratch came from a knife.

Williams was arrested on the following requested charges, Forrester said:

●Abuse of a child ●Aggravated battery ●Three counts of domestic battery ●Criminal damage to property

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostA Salina man 
was arrested on multiple requested charges including aggravated battery 
and abuse of a child after alleged incidents over a three-week period.Officers
 were sent to the apartments at 1310 E. North Street on Monday after a 
neighbor reported hearing banging and screaming, Salina Police Captain 
Paul Forrester said this morning.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669139980210.jpeg" alt="Quincy Williams. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Quincy Williams. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>When officers arrived, they made contact with a 42-year-old woman 
who lives in the apartment with her two children - ages four and two - 
and her fiance, identified as Quincy Williams, 29, of Salina. Forrester 
said the woman told officers that over the past three weeks, she had 
several altercations with Williams.She said the first incident 
occurred approximately three weeks ago in the basement of their 
apartment when Williams allegedly punched her in the face and ripped an 
earring from her ear, Forrester said. On Saturday, Williams 
allegedly punched her in the face again, this time while they were in a 
car at a southwest Salina convenience store. The woman was in the 
driver's seat, Williams was in the passenger seat, and the children were
 in the back seat, Forrester said. On Monday, she still appeared to have
 injuries from the Saturday incident, he added.On Monday, the 
woman and Williams got into an argument over gas money. Williams 
allegedly got upset after making some phone calls and the woman tried to
 calm him down, Forrester said.Williams allegedly threw a metal 
shelf causing a ceramic jar to break. He also allegedly damaged an air 
conditioning vent, Forrester said.At that point, the woman went 
upstairs to where the children were and Williams followed her. Forrester
 said Williams allegedly began punching the four-year-old girl, and when
 the woman tried to intervene, Williams allegedly pushed her to the 
ground. At some point during the altercation, Williams allegedly went to
 the kitchen and retrieved what was possibly a steak knife.Forrester
 said the girl had bruising on her face and a scratch on her chest. She 
told officers that the scratch came from a knife.Williams was arrested on the following requested charges, Forrester said:●Abuse of a child ●Aggravated battery ●Three counts of domestic battery ●Criminal damage to property

Alleged battery, child abuse incidents land Kansas man in jail

FINNEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and have made an arrest.

On Friday, police responded to St. Catherine Hospital for a report of a gunshot wound victim, according to a media release.

Officers learned that a man with a gunshot wound had been brought to the hospital by 20-year-old David Oliver of Garden City. The investigation revealed that a verbal argument occurred between Oliver and the victim at Oliver’s residence in the 900 block of N. 9th Street in Garden City.

 Following the argument, Oliver was handling a firearm while intoxicated when the firearm discharged and struck the victim. The victim was flown to Wichita due to the extent of his injuries.

Police arrested Oliver on requested charges of Aggravated Battery, Criminal Discharge of Firearm, and Interference with law enforcement; falsely report a felony intending to obstruct, according to online jail records.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669047875849.png" alt="Oliver-photo Finney County" />
 <figcaption>Oliver-photo Finney County</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and have made an arrest.On Friday, police responded to St. Catherine Hospital for a report of a gunshot wound victim, according to a media release.Officers learned that a man with a gunshot wound had been brought to the hospital by 20-year-old David Oliver of Garden City. The investigation revealed that a verbal argument occurred between Oliver and the victim at Oliver’s residence in the 900 block of N. 9th Street in Garden City. Following the argument, Oliver was handling a firearm while intoxicated when the firearm discharged and struck the victim. The victim was flown to Wichita due to the extent of his injuries.Police arrested Oliver on requested charges of Aggravated Battery, Criminal Discharge of Firearm, and Interference with law enforcement; falsely report a felony intending to obstruct, according to online jail records.&nbsp;

Police: SW Kansas man was handling firearm while intoxicated

Bonne Terre, Missouri (AP)—&nbsp;A 19-year-old woman is asking a federal court to allow her to watch her father's death by injection, despite a Missouri law barring anyone under 21 from witnessing an execution.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/police-executions-missouri-3c5c00c2e09cc3d4639b827e374e45a1">Kevin Johnson faces execution Nov. 29</a>&nbsp;for killing Kirkwood, Missouri, Police Officer William McEntee in 2005. Johnson's lawyers have appeals pending that seek to spare his life.

Meanwhile, Johnson has requested that his daughter, Khorry Ramey, attend the execution, and she wants to be there. On Monday, the American Civil Liberties Union filed an emergency motion with a federal court in Kansas City. The ACLU's court filing said the law barring under 21s serves no safety purpose and violates Ramey's Constitutional rights.

Ramey, in a court declaration, called Johnson “the most important person in my life.”

“If my father were dying in the hospital, I would sit by his bed holding his hand and praying for him until his death, both as a source of support for him, and as a support for me as a necessary part of my grieving process and for my peace of mind," Ramey said.

Johnson, now 37, has been incarcerated since Ramey was 2. The ACLU said the two have been able to built a bond through visits, phone calls, emails and letters. Last month, she brought her newborn son to the prison to meet his grandfather.

ACLU attorney Anthony Rothert said if Ramey can't attend the execution it will cause her “irreparable harm.”

Meanwhile, Johnson's lawyers have filed appeals seeking to halt the execution. They don't challenge his guilt but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/executions-st-louis-missouri-814be73066ab19b7d7ae52dcad6cd0b7">claim racism played a role</a>&nbsp;in the decision to seek the death penalty, and in the jury's decision to sentence him to die. Johnson is Black and McEntee was white.

Johnson’s lawyers also have asked the courts to intervene for other reasons, including a history of mental illness and his age — he was 19 at the time of the crime. Courts have increasingly moved away from sentencing teen offenders to death since the Supreme Court in 2005 banned the execution of offenders who were younger than 18 at the time of their crime.

In a court filing last week to the U.S. Supreme Court, the Missouri Attorney General’s Office stated there were no grounds for court intervention.

“The surviving victims of Johnson’s crimes have waited long enough for justice, and every day longer that they must wait is a day they are denied the chance to finally make peace with their loss,” the state petition stated.

McEntee, a husband and father of three, was among the police officers sent to Johnson’s home on July 5, 2005, to serve a warrant for his arrest. Johnson was on probation for assaulting his girlfriend, and police believed he had violated probation.

Johnson saw officers arrive and awoke his 12-year-old brother, Joseph “Bam Bam” Long, who ran next door to their grandmother’s house. Once there, the boy, who suffered from a congenital heart defect, collapsed and began having a seizure.

Johnson testified at trial that McEntee kept his mother from entering the house to aid his brother, who died a short time later at a hospital.

Later that evening, McEntee returned to the neighborhood to check on unrelated reports of fireworks being shot off. That’s when he encountered Johnson.

Johnson pulled a gun and shot the officer. He then approached the wounded, kneeling officer and shot him again, killing him.

The execution would be the first of three in the coming months in Missouri. The state plans to execute convicted killers Scott McLaughlin on Jan. 3 and Leonard Taylor on Feb. 7.

Sixteen men have been executed in the U.S. this year. Alabama inmate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alabama-executions-fd4937918b0529c07c005ace7a357b84">Kenneth Eugene Smith</a>&nbsp;had been scheduled to die Thursday for killing a preacher's wife in a murder-for-hire plot, but the execution was halted because state officials couldn't find a suitable vein to inject the lethal drugs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661445268889.png" alt="Johnson-photo MODOC" />
 <figcaption>Johnson-photo MODOC</figcaption>
 </figure>Bonne Terre, Missouri (AP)—&nbsp;A 19-year-old woman is asking a federal court to allow her to watch her father's death by injection, despite a Missouri law barring anyone under 21 from witnessing an execution.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/police-executions-missouri-3c5c00c2e09cc3d4639b827e374e45a1">Kevin Johnson faces execution Nov. 29</a>&nbsp;for killing Kirkwood, Missouri, Police Officer William McEntee in 2005. Johnson's lawyers have appeals pending that seek to spare his life.Meanwhile, Johnson has requested that his daughter, Khorry Ramey, attend the execution, and she wants to be there. On Monday, the American Civil Liberties Union filed an emergency motion with a federal court in Kansas City. The ACLU's court filing said the law barring under 21s serves no safety purpose and violates Ramey's Constitutional rights.Ramey, in a court declaration, called Johnson “the most important person in my life.”“If my father were dying in the hospital, I would sit by his bed holding his hand and praying for him until his death, both as a source of support for him, and as a support for me as a necessary part of my grieving process and for my peace of mind," Ramey said.Johnson, now 37, has been incarcerated since Ramey was 2. The ACLU said the two have been able to built a bond through visits, phone calls, emails and letters. Last month, she brought her newborn son to the prison to meet his grandfather.ACLU attorney Anthony Rothert said if Ramey can't attend the execution it will cause her “irreparable harm.”Meanwhile, Johnson's lawyers have filed appeals seeking to halt the execution. They don't challenge his guilt but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/executions-st-louis-missouri-814be73066ab19b7d7ae52dcad6cd0b7">claim racism played a role</a>&nbsp;in the decision to seek the death penalty, and in the jury's decision to sentence him to die. Johnson is Black and McEntee was white.Johnson’s lawyers also have asked the courts to intervene for other reasons, including a history of mental illness and his age — he was 19 at the time of the crime. Courts have increasingly moved away from sentencing teen offenders to death since the Supreme Court in 2005 banned the execution of offenders who were younger than 18 at the time of their crime.In a court filing last week to the U.S. Supreme Court, the Missouri Attorney General’s Office stated there were no grounds for court intervention.“The surviving victims of Johnson’s crimes have waited long enough for justice, and every day longer that they must wait is a day they are denied the chance to finally make peace with their loss,” the state petition stated.McEntee, a husband and father of three, was among the police officers sent to Johnson’s home on July 5, 2005, to serve a warrant for his arrest. Johnson was on probation for assaulting his girlfriend, and police believed he had violated probation.Johnson saw officers arrive and awoke his 12-year-old brother, Joseph “Bam Bam” Long, who ran next door to their grandmother’s house. Once there, the boy, who suffered from a congenital heart defect, collapsed and began having a seizure.Johnson testified at trial that McEntee kept his mother from entering the house to aid his brother, who died a short time later at a hospital.Later that evening, McEntee returned to the neighborhood to check on unrelated reports of fireworks being shot off. That’s when he encountered Johnson.Johnson pulled a gun and shot the officer. He then approached the wounded, kneeling officer and shot him again, killing him.The execution would be the first of three in the coming months in Missouri. The state plans to execute convicted killers Scott McLaughlin on Jan. 3 and Leonard Taylor on Feb. 7.Sixteen men have been executed in the U.S. this year. Alabama inmate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alabama-executions-fd4937918b0529c07c005ace7a357b84">Kenneth Eugene Smith</a>&nbsp;had been scheduled to die Thursday for killing a preacher's wife in a murder-for-hire plot, but the execution was halted because state officials couldn't find a suitable vein to inject the lethal drugs.

Teen asks court to let her watch father's execution next week

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man who admitted killing a teen and her boyfriend was sentenced Friday.

Dontenize L. Kelly, 24, of Wichita, was sentenced to 48 years and 10 months, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. He was also sentenced to 35 months for a parole violation.

&nbsp;In October Kelly admitting to two counts of second-degree murder in the killings of 18-year-old Kaylah Blackmon and 17-year-old Michael Beasley.

Beasley’s body was found Feb. 1, 2021, outside an abandoned church. At the time, authorities said Blackmon might be in danger and launched a search. Her body later was found inside her SUV at a Wichita apartment complex.

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement&nbsp;authorities investigating the murder of two Kansas teens have arrested of&nbsp;22-year-old Dontenize Kelly of Wichita, according to Wichita Police Chief Gordon Ramsey.

On Tuesday, police alerted the public that 18-year-old Kayla Blackmon may be in danger and asked the public for help to find her SUV.&nbsp; Police found her 17-year-old boyfriend Michael Beasley deceased in the 1000 block of North Ash in Wichita on Monday.

As part of the the investigation police learned of Kelly's involvement and arrested him without incident Friday evening.

Both teens were victims of gunshot wounds and killed in Blackmon's Ford Escape, according to Wichita Police Sgt. Dan Hardy. Police have not recovered a weapon and have not determined a motive as they continue to investigate.&nbsp;

Kelly is being held&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20045382">on requested charges</a>&nbsp;of capital murder and a probation violation, according to Ramsey. He has previous convictions for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, criminal possession of a weapon and for attempted aggravated robbery, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612284535821.png" alt="In Feb. of 2021, Officer Charley Davidson reported police found Blackmon's SUV" />
 <figcaption>In Feb. of 2021, Officer Charley Davidson reported police found Blackmon's SUV</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man who admitted killing a teen and her boyfriend was sentenced Friday.Dontenize L. Kelly, 24, of Wichita, was sentenced to 48 years and 10 months, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. He was also sentenced to 35 months for a parole violation.&nbsp;In October Kelly admitting to two counts of second-degree murder in the killings of 18-year-old Kaylah Blackmon and 17-year-old Michael Beasley.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665229579077.png" alt="Kelly-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Kelly-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>Beasley’s body was found Feb. 1, 2021, outside an abandoned church. At the time, authorities said Blackmon might be in danger and launched a search. Her body later was found inside her SUV at a Wichita apartment complex.---------SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement&nbsp;authorities investigating the murder of two Kansas teens have arrested of&nbsp;22-year-old Dontenize Kelly of Wichita, according to Wichita Police Chief Gordon Ramsey.On Tuesday, police alerted the public that 18-year-old Kayla Blackmon may be in danger and asked the public for help to find her SUV.&nbsp; Police found her 17-year-old boyfriend Michael Beasley deceased in the 1000 block of North Ash in Wichita on Monday.As part of the the investigation police learned of Kelly's involvement and arrested him without incident Friday evening.Both teens were victims of gunshot wounds and killed in Blackmon's Ford Escape, according to Wichita Police Sgt. Dan Hardy. Police have not recovered a weapon and have not determined a motive as they continue to investigate.&nbsp;Kelly is being held&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20045382">on requested charges</a>&nbsp;of capital murder and a probation violation, according to Ramsey. He has previous convictions for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, criminal possession of a weapon and for attempted aggravated robbery, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.--------

Kansas man sentenced for death of teen and her boyfriend

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged arson and have two suspects in custody.

On Friday, officers filed three reports for arson. Bushes near the intersection of N. 11th and Bertrand Streets and bushes and roadside grass in the 1400 block of Sunnyslope Lane were reported to be set on fire shortly before 11:00 p.m, and a tree was reported to be set on fire in the 1600 block of Sunnyslope Lane. around 11:15 p.m. by two men with gas lanterns, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

Manhattan Fire Department responded and quickly extinguished all three fires. 

Just before 11:45 p.m. police located Jacob Eyster, 22, and Ryan Eyster, 23, both of Manhattan near Triangle Park in Aggieville and arrested them on requested charges that include three counts of arson each.

 They were each issued bonds of $5,000 and are no longer in custody

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged arson and have two suspects in custody.On Friday, officers filed three reports for arson. Bushes near the intersection of N. 11th and Bertrand Streets and bushes and roadside grass in the 1400 block of Sunnyslope Lane were reported to be set on fire shortly before 11:00 p.m, and a tree was reported to be set on fire in the 1600 block of Sunnyslope Lane. around 11:15 p.m. by two men with gas lanterns, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.Manhattan Fire Department responded and quickly extinguished all three fires. Just before 11:45 p.m. police located Jacob Eyster, 22, and Ryan Eyster, 23, both of Manhattan near Triangle Park in Aggieville and arrested them on requested charges that include three counts of arson each. They were each issued bonds of $5,000 and are no longer in custody

RCPD: 2 accused of setting fires in Manhattan

A Kansas man who was arrested in connection to a damage to property case added to his requested charges when he allegedly head-butted a paramedic.

Just after 12:30a.m. Saturday, officers were called to the Village Inn, 453 S. Broadway Boulevard in Salina for the report of damage to property. When they arrived, they spoke with the owner who told them that someone broke a window and a picture frame in a room there, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.

The officers made contact with Matthew Burton, 28, of Salina, who had a cut on his hand. During the investigation, officers determined that Burton was responsible for the damage, Forrester said. 

When officers tried to arrest Burton, he allegedly became disruptive and resisted, causing officers to place him in a wrap restraint system, Forrester said. While Burton was in the restraint system, he appeared to become unconscious, prompting officers to call EMS.

EMS transported Burton to Salina Regional Health Center. At some point, Burton allegedly head-butted a paramedic in the chest twice, Forrester said. Burton was treated and released, and then booked into the Salina County Jail on&nbsp; requested charges of Criminal damage to property, Assault of a law enforcement officer, Battery and Disorderly conduct.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666896547529.jpeg" alt="Burton -photo&nbsp;Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Burton -photo&nbsp;Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostA Kansas man who was arrested in connection to a damage to property case added to his requested charges when he allegedly head-butted a paramedic.Just after 12:30a.m. Saturday, officers were called to the Village Inn, 453 S. Broadway Boulevard in Salina for the report of damage to property. When they arrived, they spoke with the owner who told them that someone broke a window and a picture frame in a room there, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.The officers made contact with Matthew Burton, 28, of Salina, who had a cut on his hand. During the investigation, officers determined that Burton was responsible for the damage, Forrester said. When officers tried to arrest Burton, he allegedly became disruptive and resisted, causing officers to place him in a wrap restraint system, Forrester said. While Burton was in the restraint system, he appeared to become unconscious, prompting officers to call EMS.EMS transported Burton to Salina Regional Health Center. At some point, Burton allegedly head-butted a paramedic in the chest twice, Forrester said. Burton was treated and released, and then booked into the Salina County Jail on&nbsp; requested charges of Criminal damage to property, Assault of a law enforcement officer, Battery and Disorderly conduct.

Kansas man allegedly head butts paramedic after arrest

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and asking the public for help with the investigation.

Just after 12:15a.m. Monday, police were dispatched to reports of gunshots in the 1300 block of E. Armour in Kansas City, according to KCPD Captain Leslie Foreman. Police received multiple calls about gunshots in the area. Officers found an adult male inside an apartment building. He had been shot and was unresponsive. EMS responded and pronounced him deceased at the scene. We do not have any suspect information at this time and are asking for the public’s help. Detectives and crime scene personnel responded to the scene and were actively canvassing for witnesses and processing the scene for evidence.

If you have any information please call the Homicide Unit at 234-5043. If you wish to remain anonymous you can call the TIPS hotline at 474-TIPS, with up to a $25,000 reward for an arrest in this case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669035635160.png" alt="P0lice have not reported any suspect details photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>P0lice have not reported any suspect details photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and asking the public for help with the investigation.Just after 12:15a.m. Monday, police were dispatched to reports of gunshots in the 1300 block of E. Armour in Kansas City, according to KCPD Captain Leslie Foreman. Police received multiple calls about gunshots in the area. Officers found an adult male inside an apartment building. He had been shot and was unresponsive. EMS responded and pronounced him deceased at the scene. We do not have any suspect information at this time and are asking for the public’s help. Detectives and crime scene personnel responded to the scene and were actively canvassing for witnesses and processing the scene for evidence. If you have any information please call the Homicide Unit at 234-5043. If you wish to remain anonymous you can call the TIPS hotline at 474-TIPS, with up to a $25,000 reward for an arrest in this case.

KCPD: Deadly shooting inside apartment building

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — A 22-year-old gunman opened fire in a gay nightclub in Colorado Springs, killing five people and leaving 18 injured before he was subdued by “heroic” patrons and arrested by police who were on the scene within minutes, authorities said Sunday.

Click below to listen to the 9a.m. Sunday police press conference

Two firearms, including a “long rifle,” were found at Club Q after the Saturday night shooting, said Police Chief Adrian Vasquez.

Investigators were still determining a motive, and the attack was being investigated to see if it should be prosecuted as a hate crime, said El Paso County District Attorney Michael Allen.

Police identified the gunman as Anderson Lee Aldrich, who was in custody and being treated for injuries. A man with the same name and age was arrested in 2021 after his mother reported he threatened her with “a homemade bomb, multiple weapons and ammunition,” according to authorities.

Police did not confirm whether it was the same person, saying they were investigating whether the suspect had been arrested before.

Authorities were called to the Club Q at 11:57 p.m. Saturday with a report of a shooting, and the first officer arrived at midnight.

“At least two heroic people” confronted the gunman and stopped the shooting, Vasquez said, adding: “We owe them a great debt of thanks.”

Of the 18 people injured, some were in critical condition and at least two had been treated and released, officials said, adding that some were hurt trying to flee.

The shooting brought back memories of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-fl-state-wire-massacres-shootings-9c2d0d234e96c821beb29f1cf4c0eb82">the 2016 massacre at the Pulse gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida,</a>&nbsp;that killed 49 people. And it occurred in a state that has experienced several notorious mass killings, including at Columbine High School in 1999, a movie theater in suburban Denver in 2012 and at a Boulder supermarket last year.

It was the sixth mass killing this month and came in a year when the nation was shaken by the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/uvalde-school-shooting">deaths of 21 in a school shooting in Uvalde, Texas</a>.

Attorney General Merrick Garland was briefed on the shooting, Justice Department spokesman Anthony Coley said. The FBI said it was assisting but said the police department was leading the investigation.

President Joe Biden said that while the motive for the shootings was not yet clear, “we know that the LGBTQI+ community has been subjected to horrific hate violence in recent years.”

“Places that are supposed to be safe spaces of acceptance and celebration should never be turned into places of terror and violence. Yet it happens far too often,” he said. “We must drive out the inequities that contribute to violence against LGBTQI+ people. We cannot and must not tolerate hate.”

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, who became the first openly gay man in the United States to be elected governor in 2018, called the shooting “sickening.”

“My heart breaks for the family and friends of those lost, injured, and traumatized in this horrific shooting. I have spoken with Mayor (John) Suthers and clarified that every state resource is available to local law enforcement in Colorado Springs,” Polis said. “Colorado stands with our LGTBQ community and everyone impacted by this tragedy as we mourn.”

Ryan Johnson, who lives near Club Q and was there last month, said it was one of only two night spots for the LGBTQ community in conservative-leaning Colorado Springs. “It’s kind of the go-to for pride,” the 26-year-old said, describing it as a medium-sized club.

When he got home early Sunday, he saw police cars crowding the streets.

“It just feels crazy, you hear about it and you don’t think it’ll happen and then it happens,” said Johnson. “You come to Colorado and feel safer than other parts of the country and then this happens.”

Robert Nichols, 35, said he searched frantically Sunday for a friend who had told him she would be at the club and hadn't returned his calls. He said that led to some “anxiety inducing” hours before seeing the friend's car outside her home and deciding she was OK.

Although a motive wasn’t yet clear, nor were the gender identities of the victims, the incident came as anti-gay rhetoric has intensified by extremists. In a statement, Club Q termed the shooting a hate attack.

“Club Q is devastated by the senseless attack on our community,” the club posted on its Facebook page. It said its prayers were with victims and families, adding: “We thank the quick reactions of heroic customers that subdued the gunman and ended this hate attack.”

The CEO of a national LGBTQ-rights organization, Kevin Jennings of Lambda Legal, reacted with a plea for tighter restrictions on guns.

“America’s toxic mix of bigotry and absurdly easy access to firearms means that such events are all too common and LGBTQ+ people, BIPOC communities, the Jewish community and other vulnerable populations pay the price again and again for our political leadership’s failure to act,” he said in a statement. “We must stand together to demand meaningful action before yet another tragedy strikes our nation.”

The shooting came during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-carolina-legislature-gay-rights-raleigh-government-and-politics-84892bee21af98cfd80d56481ca05458">Transgender Awareness Week</a>&nbsp;and hours before Sunday’s International&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-deaths-america-2022-data-76c8ba3936e9a724377d1733a4619d7c">Transgender Day of Remembrance</a>, when events around the world are held to mourn and remember transgender people lost to violence. The Colorado Springs shooting was sure to bring special resonance to those events.

Club Q is a gay and lesbian nightclub that features a “Drag Diva Drag Show” on Saturdays, according to its website. In addition to the drag show, Club Q's Facebook page said planned entertainment included a “punk and alternative show” preceding a birthday dance party, with a Sunday “all ages brunch.”

Colorado Springs is a city of about 480,000 located about 70 miles (112 kilometers) south of Denver that is home to the U.S. Air Force Academy, as well as Focus on the Family, a prominent evangelical Christian ministry.

In November 2015, three people were killed and eight wounded at a Planned Parenthood clinic in the city when authorities say a man opened fire because he wanted to wage “war” on the clinic because it performed abortions.

In June, 31 members of the neo-Nazi group Patriot Front were arrested in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and charged with conspiracy to riot at a Pride event. Experts warned that extremist groups could see&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-arrests-riots-race-and-ethnicity-religion-a22a3e11521dfd398778d4820f484c50">anti-gay rhetoric as a call to action</a>.

The previous month, a fundamentalist Idaho pastor told his small Boise congregation that gay, lesbian and transgender people should be executed by the government, which lined up with similar sermons from a Texas fundamentalist pastor.

There have been 523 mass killings since 2006 resulting in 2,727 deaths as of Nov. 19, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/graphics/2022/08/18/mass-killings-database-us-events-since-2006/9705311002/">The Associated Press/USA Today database on mass killings in the U.S.</a>

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — A 22-year-old gunman opened fire in a gay nightclub in Colorado Springs, killing five people and injuring 18 before he was subdued by “heroic” patrons and arrested by police who arrived on the scene within about five minutes, police said Sunday.

Two firearms, including a “long rifle,” were found at the scene at Club Q, said Colorado Springs Police Department Chief Adrian Vasquez.

“At least two heroic people” confronted the gunman and stopped the shooting, the chief said, adding: “We owe them a great debt of thanks.”

Authorities received the report of a shooting at Club Q at 11:57 p.m. Saturday, said Lt. Pamela Castro of the Colorado Springs Police Department.

The violence is the sixth mass killing this month and comes in a year when the nation was shaken by the deaths of 21 in a school shooting in Uvalde, Texas.

Castro said the suspect was injured but didn’t know how and that the FBI was on the scene.

Attorney General Merrick Garland has been briefed on the shooting, Justice Department spokesman Anthony Coley said. The FBI said it was providing assistance to Colorado Springs police, but said the police department was leading the investigation.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, who became the first openly gay man in the United States to be elected governor in 2018, said the news was “sickening.”.

Although a motive in the shooting wasn’t yet clear, nor were the gender identities of the victims, the incident came as anti-gay rhetoric has intensified by extremists. In a statement, Club Q termed the shooting a hate attack.

The shooting came during Transgender Awareness Week and hours before Sunday’s International Transgender Day of Remembrance, when events around the world are held to mourn and memorialize transgender people lost to violence. The Colorado Springs shooting was sure to bring special resonance to Sunday’s events.

Club Q is a gay and lesbian nightclub that features a “Drag Diva Drag Show” on Saturdays, according to its website.

In addition to the drag show, Club Q's Facebook page said planned entertainment included a “punk and alternative show” preceding a birthday dance party, with a Sunday “all ages brunch.”

The shooting brought back memories of the 2016 massacre at the Pulse gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, that killed 49 people. And it occurred in a state that has experienced several notorious mass killings, including at Columbine High School in 1999, a movie theater in suburban Denver in 2012 and at a Boulder supermarket last year.

Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff of California said on Twitter he was “sickened and horrified” by the shooting, adding: “The LGBTQ+ community is once again the target of the most terrible violence. And devastating attacks like these will only become more common if we don’t fight back. It must stop.”

Rep.-elect Eric Sorensen, who is Illinois' first openly gay congressman, tweeted that “we must use loud voices to stand up against hate. Our country must turn down the hateful rhetoric aimed at our LGBTQ community.”

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — An attacker opened fire in a gay nightclub late Saturday, killing five people and wounding 18, officials said. The club said the suspect was subdued by patrons.

Authorities received a report of a shooting at Club Q at 11:57 p.m. and responded within minutes, said Lt. Pamela Castro of the Colorado Springs Police Department.

Castro had few details beyond the number of dead and wounded. She said the suspect was injured but didn’t know how and that the FBI was on the scene and assisting.

The police department planned a news conference for 8 a.m. (10 a.m. EST) on the investigation.

The latest incident occurred as anti-gay rhetoric has intensified by extremists. In a statement, Club Q termed the shooting a hate attack.

The motive behind Saturday's shooting was not immediately known but it brought back memories of the 2016 massacre at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida, that killed 49 people. And it occurred in a state that has experienced several notorious mass killings, including at Columbine High School in 1999, a movie theater in suburban Denver in 2012 and at a Boulder supermarket last year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668949980895.png" alt="Club Q is a gay and lesbian nightclub that features a “Drag Diva Drag Show” on Saturdays, according to its website.-photo courtesy KKTV" />
 <figcaption>Club Q is a gay and lesbian nightclub that features a “Drag Diva Drag Show” on Saturdays, according to its website.-photo courtesy KKTV</figcaption>
 </figure>COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — A 22-year-old gunman opened fire in a gay nightclub in Colorado Springs, killing five people and leaving 18 injured before he was subdued by “heroic” patrons and arrested by police who were on the scene within minutes, authorities said Sunday.Click below to listen to the 9a.m. Sunday police press conference<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fcspdpio%2Fvideos%2F685654389569596%2F&show_text=false&width=267&t=26" width="267" height="476" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Two firearms, including a “long rifle,” were found at Club Q after the Saturday night shooting, said Police Chief Adrian Vasquez.Investigators were still determining a motive, and the attack was being investigated to see if it should be prosecuted as a hate crime, said El Paso County District Attorney Michael Allen.Police identified the gunman as Anderson Lee Aldrich, who was in custody and being treated for injuries. A man with the same name and age was arrested in 2021 after his mother reported he threatened her with “a homemade bomb, multiple weapons and ammunition,” according to authorities.Police did not confirm whether it was the same person, saying they were investigating whether the suspect had been arrested before.Authorities were called to the Club Q at 11:57 p.m. Saturday with a report of a shooting, and the first officer arrived at midnight.“At least two heroic people” confronted the gunman and stopped the shooting, Vasquez said, adding: “We owe them a great debt of thanks.”Of the 18 people injured, some were in critical condition and at least two had been treated and released, officials said, adding that some were hurt trying to flee.The shooting brought back memories of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-fl-state-wire-massacres-shootings-9c2d0d234e96c821beb29f1cf4c0eb82">the 2016 massacre at the Pulse gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida,</a>&nbsp;that killed 49 people. And it occurred in a state that has experienced several notorious mass killings, including at Columbine High School in 1999, a movie theater in suburban Denver in 2012 and at a Boulder supermarket last year.It was the sixth mass killing this month and came in a year when the nation was shaken by the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/uvalde-school-shooting">deaths of 21 in a school shooting in Uvalde, Texas</a>.Attorney General Merrick Garland was briefed on the shooting, Justice Department spokesman Anthony Coley said. The FBI said it was assisting but said the police department was leading the investigation.President Joe Biden said that while the motive for the shootings was not yet clear, “we know that the LGBTQI+ community has been subjected to horrific hate violence in recent years.”“Places that are supposed to be safe spaces of acceptance and celebration should never be turned into places of terror and violence. Yet it happens far too often,” he said. “We must drive out the inequities that contribute to violence against LGBTQI+ people. We cannot and must not tolerate hate.”Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, who became the first openly gay man in the United States to be elected governor in 2018, called the shooting “sickening.”“My heart breaks for the family and friends of those lost, injured, and traumatized in this horrific shooting. I have spoken with Mayor (John) Suthers and clarified that every state resource is available to local law enforcement in Colorado Springs,” Polis said. “Colorado stands with our LGTBQ community and everyone impacted by this tragedy as we mourn.”Ryan Johnson, who lives near Club Q and was there last month, said it was one of only two night spots for the LGBTQ community in conservative-leaning Colorado Springs. “It’s kind of the go-to for pride,” the 26-year-old said, describing it as a medium-sized club.When he got home early Sunday, he saw police cars crowding the streets.“It just feels crazy, you hear about it and you don’t think it’ll happen and then it happens,” said Johnson. “You come to Colorado and feel safer than other parts of the country and then this happens.”Robert Nichols, 35, said he searched frantically Sunday for a friend who had told him she would be at the club and hadn't returned his calls. He said that led to some “anxiety inducing” hours before seeing the friend's car outside her home and deciding she was OK.Although a motive wasn’t yet clear, nor were the gender identities of the victims, the incident came as anti-gay rhetoric has intensified by extremists. In a statement, Club Q termed the shooting a hate attack.“Club Q is devastated by the senseless attack on our community,” the club posted on its Facebook page. It said its prayers were with victims and families, adding: “We thank the quick reactions of heroic customers that subdued the gunman and ended this hate attack.”The CEO of a national LGBTQ-rights organization, Kevin Jennings of Lambda Legal, reacted with a plea for tighter restrictions on guns.“America’s toxic mix of bigotry and absurdly easy access to firearms means that such events are all too common and LGBTQ+ people, BIPOC communities, the Jewish community and other vulnerable populations pay the price again and again for our political leadership’s failure to act,” he said in a statement. “We must stand together to demand meaningful action before yet another tragedy strikes our nation.”The shooting came during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-carolina-legislature-gay-rights-raleigh-government-and-politics-84892bee21af98cfd80d56481ca05458">Transgender Awareness Week</a>&nbsp;and hours before Sunday’s International&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-deaths-america-2022-data-76c8ba3936e9a724377d1733a4619d7c">Transgender Day of Remembrance</a>, when events around the world are held to mourn and remember transgender people lost to violence. The Colorado Springs shooting was sure to bring special resonance to those events.Club Q is a gay and lesbian nightclub that features a “Drag Diva Drag Show” on Saturdays, according to its website. In addition to the drag show, Club Q's Facebook page said planned entertainment included a “punk and alternative show” preceding a birthday dance party, with a Sunday “all ages brunch.”Colorado Springs is a city of about 480,000 located about 70 miles (112 kilometers) south of Denver that is home to the U.S. Air Force Academy, as well as Focus on the Family, a prominent evangelical Christian ministry.In November 2015, three people were killed and eight wounded at a Planned Parenthood clinic in the city when authorities say a man opened fire because he wanted to wage “war” on the clinic because it performed abortions.In June, 31 members of the neo-Nazi group Patriot Front were arrested in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and charged with conspiracy to riot at a Pride event. Experts warned that extremist groups could see&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-arrests-riots-race-and-ethnicity-religion-a22a3e11521dfd398778d4820f484c50">anti-gay rhetoric as a call to action</a>.The previous month, a fundamentalist Idaho pastor told his small Boise congregation that gay, lesbian and transgender people should be executed by the government, which lined up with similar sermons from a Texas fundamentalist pastor.There have been 523 mass killings since 2006 resulting in 2,727 deaths as of Nov. 19, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/graphics/2022/08/18/mass-killings-database-us-events-since-2006/9705311002/">The Associated Press/USA Today database on mass killings in the U.S.</a>------COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — A 22-year-old gunman opened fire in a gay nightclub in Colorado Springs, killing five people and injuring 18 before he was subdued by “heroic” patrons and arrested by police who arrived on the scene within about five minutes, police said Sunday.Click below to listen to the 9a.m. Sunday police press conference<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fcspdpio%2Fvideos%2F685654389569596%2F&show_text=false&width=267&t=26" width="267" height="476" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Two firearms, including a “long rifle,” were found at the scene at Club Q, said Colorado Springs Police Department Chief Adrian Vasquez.“At least two heroic people” confronted the gunman and stopped the shooting, the chief said, adding: “We owe them a great debt of thanks.”Authorities received the report of a shooting at Club Q at 11:57 p.m. Saturday, said Lt. Pamela Castro of the Colorado Springs Police Department.The violence is the sixth mass killing this month and comes in a year when the nation was shaken by the deaths of 21 in a school shooting in Uvalde, Texas.Castro said the suspect was injured but didn’t know how and that the FBI was on the scene.Attorney General Merrick Garland has been briefed on the shooting, Justice Department spokesman Anthony Coley said. The FBI said it was providing assistance to Colorado Springs police, but said the police department was leading the investigation.Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, who became the first openly gay man in the United States to be elected governor in 2018, said the news was “sickening.”.“My heart breaks for the family and friends of those lost, injured, and traumatized in this horrific shooting. I have spoken with Mayor (John) Suthers and clarified that every state resource is available to local law enforcement in Colorado Springs,” Polis said. “Colorado stands with our LGTBQ community and everyone impacted by this tragedy as we mourn.”Although a motive in the shooting wasn’t yet clear, nor were the gender identities of the victims, the incident came as anti-gay rhetoric has intensified by extremists. In a statement, Club Q termed the shooting a hate attack.“Club Q is devastated by the senseless attack on our community,” the club posted on its Facebook page. It said its prayers were with victims and families, adding: “We thank the quick reactions of heroic customers that subdued the gunman and ended this hate attack.”The shooting came during Transgender Awareness Week and hours before Sunday’s International Transgender Day of Remembrance, when events around the world are held to mourn and memorialize transgender people lost to violence. The Colorado Springs shooting was sure to bring special resonance to Sunday’s events.Club Q is a gay and lesbian nightclub that features a “Drag Diva Drag Show” on Saturdays, according to its website.In addition to the drag show, Club Q's Facebook page said planned entertainment included a “punk and alternative show” preceding a birthday dance party, with a Sunday “all ages brunch.”Colorado Springs is a city of about 480,000 located about 70 miles (112 kilometers) south of Denver that is home to the U.S. Air Force Academy, as well as Focus on the Family, a prominent evangelical Christian ministry.In November 2015, three people were killed and eight wounded at a Planned Parenthood clinic in the city when authorities say a man opened fire because he wanted to wage “war” on the clinic because it performed abortions.The shooting brought back memories of the 2016 massacre at the Pulse gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, that killed 49 people. And it occurred in a state that has experienced several notorious mass killings, including at Columbine High School in 1999, a movie theater in suburban Denver in 2012 and at a Boulder supermarket last year.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Sickened and horrified by the shooting at Club Q in Colorado Springs. The LGBTQ+ community is once again the target of the most terrible violence. And devastating attacks like these will only become more common if we don’t fight back. It must stop.&mdash; Adam Schiff (@RepAdamSchiff) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepAdamSchiff/status/1594327197019422722?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff of California said on Twitter he was “sickened and horrified” by the shooting, adding: “The LGBTQ+ community is once again the target of the most terrible violence. And devastating attacks like these will only become more common if we don’t fight back. It must stop.”Rep.-elect Eric Sorensen, who is Illinois' first openly gay congressman, tweeted that “we must use loud voices to stand up against hate. Our country must turn down the hateful rhetoric aimed at our LGBTQ community.”In June, 31 members of the neo-Nazi group Patriot Front were arrested in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and charged with conspiracy to riot at a Pride event. Experts warned that extremist groups could see&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-arrests-riots-race-and-ethnicity-religion-a22a3e11521dfd398778d4820f484c50">anti-gay rhetoric as a call to action</a>.The previous month, a fundamentalist Idaho pastor told his small Boise congregation that gay, lesbian and transgender people should be executed by the government, which lined up with similar sermons from a Texas fundamentalist pastor.There have been 523 mass killings since 2006 resulting in 2,727 deaths as of Nov. 19, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/graphics/2022/08/18/mass-killings-database-us-events-since-2006/9705311002/">The Associated Press/USA Today database on mass killings in the U.S.</a>-----COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — An attacker opened fire in a gay nightclub late Saturday, killing five people and wounding 18, officials said. The club said the suspect was subdued by patrons.Authorities received a report of a shooting at Club Q at 11:57 p.m. and responded within minutes, said Lt. Pamela Castro of the Colorado Springs Police Department.The violence is the sixth mass killing this month and comes in a year when the nation was shaken by the deaths of 21 in a school shooting in Uvalde, Texas.Castro had few details beyond the number of dead and wounded. She said the suspect was injured but didn’t know how and that the FBI was on the scene and assisting.The police department planned a news conference for 8 a.m. (10 a.m. EST) on the investigation.The latest incident occurred as anti-gay rhetoric has intensified by extremists. In a statement, Club Q termed the shooting a hate attack.“Club Q is devastated by the senseless attack on our community,” the club posted on its Facebook page. It said its prayers were with victims and families, adding: “We thank the quick reactions of heroic customers that subdued the gunman and ended this hate attack.”Club Q is a gay and lesbian nightclub that features a “Drag Diva Drag Show” on Saturdays, according to its website.In addition to the drag show, Club Q's Facebook page said planned entertainment included a “punk and alternative show” preceding a birthday dance party, with a Sunday “all ages brunch.”Colorado Springs is a city of about 480,000 located about 70 miles (112 kilometers) south of Denver that is home to the U.S. Air Force Academy, as well as Focus on the Family, a prominent evangelical Christian ministry.In November 2015, three people were killed and eight wounded at a Planned Parenthood clinic in the city when authorities say a man opened fire because he wanted to wage “war” on the clinic because it performed abortions.The motive behind Saturday's shooting was not immediately known but it brought back memories of the 2016 massacre at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida, that killed 49 people. And it occurred in a state that has experienced several notorious mass killings, including at Columbine High School in 1999, a movie theater in suburban Denver in 2012 and at a Boulder supermarket last year.In June, 31 members of the neo-Nazi group Patriot Front were arrested in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and charged with conspiracy to riot at a Pride event. Experts warned that extremist groups could see&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-arrests-riots-race-and-ethnicity-religion-a22a3e11521dfd398778d4820f484c50">anti-gay rhetoric as a call to action</a>.The previous month, a fundamentalist Idaho pastor told his small Boise congregation that gay, lesbian and transgender people should be executed by the government, which lined up with similar sermons from a Texas fundamentalist pastor.There have been 523 mass killings since 2006 resulting in 2,727 deaths as of Nov. 19, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/graphics/2022/08/18/mass-killings-database-us-events-since-2006/9705311002/">The Associated Press/USA Today database on mass killings in the U.S.</a>-------------

🎥Police ID gunman in mass shooting at  LGBTQ club in Colorado 

BRANSON (AP) —A Tennessee man filed a lawsuit Friday claiming that operators of the Kanakuk Camps in Branson, Missouri, lied to him and his parents while persuading them to sign a settlement over sexual abuse by a camp counselor.

Logan Yandell, 27, of Hendersonville, Tennessee, and his parents reached a confidential settlement with Kanakuk in 2010 that included a non-disclosure agreement after Yandell was abused by Peter Newman, who is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/auburn-d599411ff6b34113a339febd9158e8ff">serving two life sentences</a>&nbsp;for sexually abusing multiple children while working for the Christian summer camps.

The lawsuit names Kanakuk Ministries, Kanakuk CEO Joe White, Kanakuk Heritage Inc., Westchester Fire Insurance Company and a John Doe.

A statement from Kanakuk said the company just received the lawsuit on Friday and does not comment on pending litigation.

“We will respond further if or when appropriate,” the company said. “In the meantime, we continue to pray for all who have been affected by Pete Newman’s behavior.

Yandell was sexually abused while attending the summer camp and other activities between 2005 and 2008.

The lawsuit alleges that Kanakuk officials claimed they did not know about Newman's sexual abuse of children prior to his arrest but the Yandell family later learned that wasn't true.

In December 2021, the conservative online news outlet The Dispatch reported that Newman’s supervisor, Will Cunningham, recommended in 2003 that Newman be fired because of reports of child sexual abuse, including participating in several activities with children while nude, “counseling” them in a hot tub and sleeping alone with children.

The lawsuit filed Friday contains an affidavit from Cunningham confirming that he wanted Newman fired. Instead, White overruled the suggestion and promoted Newman to camp director, according to the lawsuit.

The family would not have signed the settlement and non-disclosure agreement if they had known that Kanakuk officials had lied to them, Brian Kent, one of the family's attorneys, said Friday.

He said company officials took advantage of the family.

“Knowing that the Yandells were really trying to deal with making sure their child is OK and getting him better, this was a clear effort by Joe White and Kanakuk to advise them this is something they should do. And they lied to them in order to get them to sign.”

The lawsuit is not a class action but Kent said it's possible more of Newman's victims will file similar lawsuits because of the new information.

The Associated Press generally does not name victims of sexual abuse but Yandell is named in the lawsuit and has publicly discussed his case.

One of the reasons the family decided to file the lawsuit 12 years after signing the settlement was to allow Yandell to “get his voice back and have his voice heard,” Kent said.

Newman is serving two life sentences plus 30 years in state prison after his 2010 sentencing on seven felony counts of sexually abusing boys while he was a Kanakuk counselor. The number of victims is believed to be in the hundreds, according to the lawsuit.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668864737977.png" alt="Newman is serving two life sentences plus 30 years in state prison after his 2010 sentencing on seven felony counts of sexually abusing boys while he was a Kanakuk counselor.-photo MODOC" />
 <figcaption>Newman is serving two life sentences plus 30 years in state prison after his 2010 sentencing on seven felony counts of sexually abusing boys while he was a Kanakuk counselor.-photo MODOC</figcaption>
 </figure>BRANSON (AP) —A Tennessee man filed a lawsuit Friday claiming that operators of the Kanakuk Camps in Branson, Missouri, lied to him and his parents while persuading them to sign a settlement over sexual abuse by a camp counselor.Logan Yandell, 27, of Hendersonville, Tennessee, and his parents reached a confidential settlement with Kanakuk in 2010 that included a non-disclosure agreement after Yandell was abused by Peter Newman, who is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/auburn-d599411ff6b34113a339febd9158e8ff">serving two life sentences</a>&nbsp;for sexually abusing multiple children while working for the Christian summer camps.The lawsuit names Kanakuk Ministries, Kanakuk CEO Joe White, Kanakuk Heritage Inc., Westchester Fire Insurance Company and a John Doe.A statement from Kanakuk said the company just received the lawsuit on Friday and does not comment on pending litigation.“We will respond further if or when appropriate,” the company said. “In the meantime, we continue to pray for all who have been affected by Pete Newman’s behavior.Yandell was sexually abused while attending the summer camp and other activities between 2005 and 2008.The lawsuit alleges that Kanakuk officials claimed they did not know about Newman's sexual abuse of children prior to his arrest but the Yandell family later learned that wasn't true.In December 2021, the conservative online news outlet The Dispatch reported that Newman’s supervisor, Will Cunningham, recommended in 2003 that Newman be fired because of reports of child sexual abuse, including participating in several activities with children while nude, “counseling” them in a hot tub and sleeping alone with children.The lawsuit filed Friday contains an affidavit from Cunningham confirming that he wanted Newman fired. Instead, White overruled the suggestion and promoted Newman to camp director, according to the lawsuit.The family would not have signed the settlement and non-disclosure agreement if they had known that Kanakuk officials had lied to them, Brian Kent, one of the family's attorneys, said Friday.He said company officials took advantage of the family.“Knowing that the Yandells were really trying to deal with making sure their child is OK and getting him better, this was a clear effort by Joe White and Kanakuk to advise them this is something they should do. And they lied to them in order to get them to sign.”The lawsuit is not a class action but Kent said it's possible more of Newman's victims will file similar lawsuits because of the new information.The Associated Press generally does not name victims of sexual abuse but Yandell is named in the lawsuit and has publicly discussed his case.One of the reasons the family decided to file the lawsuit 12 years after signing the settlement was to allow Yandell to “get his voice back and have his voice heard,” Kent said.Newman is serving two life sentences plus 30 years in state prison after his 2010 sentencing on seven felony counts of sexually abusing boys while he was a Kanakuk counselor. The number of victims is believed to be in the hundreds, according to the lawsuit.

Christian summer camp operators sued over sex abuse settlement

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a man for alleged child sex crimes.

On Nov. 16, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division conducted an investigation into child sex crimes, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

Deputies arrested Chad W. Hartman, 37, of Kincaid, Kansas.&nbsp;

Hartman remains jailed in the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of electronic solicitation of a child and sexual exploitation of a child.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668692285711.png" alt="Hartman-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Hartman-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a man for alleged child sex crimes.On Nov. 16, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division conducted an investigation into child sex crimes, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.Deputies arrested Chad W. Hartman, 37, of Kincaid, Kansas.&nbsp;Hartman remains jailed in the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of electronic solicitation of a child and sexual exploitation of a child.

Sheriff: Kansas man accused of child sex crimes

RILEY COUNTY—A Riley County teen arrested in connection with a burglary has&nbsp; been charged with an additional count each of criminal damage to property and burglary, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

Just after 2a.m. Thursday, officers responded to a business alarm at Casey's in the 300 block of Riley Avenue in Ogden, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

&nbsp;A window was broken out, around $1,200 loss, and approximately $1,800 worth of tobacco products were stolen.&nbsp;

 Estevan Rochin, 16, of Ogden is charged with an additional count each of criminal damage to property and burglary in connection to an October 27, 2022 break-in at the convenience store where a window was broken out, around $1,200 and $1,500 worth of tobacco products were stolen.

 He is also charged with an additional count each of criminal damage to property and attempted burglary in connection to an October 26, 2022 attempted break-in at the Ogden Valero. A window and door were damaged in an attempt to enter the business, this resulted in an approximate total loss of $1,750. 

RILEY COUNTY—A Riley County teen arrested in connection with a burglary has&nbsp; been charged with an additional count each of criminal damage to property and burglary, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.Just after 2a.m. Thursday, officers responded to a business alarm at Casey's in the 300 block of Riley Avenue in Ogden, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.&nbsp;A window was broken out, around $1,200 loss, and approximately $1,800 worth of tobacco products were stolen.&nbsp; Estevan Rochin, 16, of Ogden is charged with an additional count each of criminal damage to property and burglary in connection to an October 27, 2022 break-in at the convenience store where a window was broken out, around $1,200 and $1,500 worth of tobacco products were stolen. He is also charged with an additional count each of criminal damage to property and attempted burglary in connection to an October 26, 2022 attempted break-in at the Ogden Valero. A window and door were damaged in an attempt to enter the business, this resulted in an approximate total loss of $1,750. After Thursday's arrest, Rochin was processed by juvenile intake and released to a guardian.----------RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and have made an arrest.Just after 2a.m. Thursday, officers responded to a business alarm at Casey's in the 300 block of Riley Avenue in Ogden, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.At the scene, officers found a window of the business broken out and a 16-year-old suspect inside the building. The teen ran from the officers north on N. Park Street. Following a short search by officers and an RCPD K9, Estevan Rochin, 16, of Ogden was later located in the 200 block of 16th Street and arrested on a requested charge of burglary, interference with LEO, and criminal damage to property. Rochin was processed by juvenile intake and released to a guardian. The estimated total loss associated with this case is still under investigation