SHAWNEE COUNTY–Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug charges after a weekend traffic stop.

Just after before 2a.m. Saturday,&nbsp; a K9 Unit conducted a traffic stop on a tan 2001 Ford F150 pickup truck near NW US 24 Highway and NW Topeka Boulevard for making an improper turn, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

During the investigation, deputies found illegal narcotics. Two backseat passengers, Donald A. Martin, 37,&nbsp; and Kenneth J. Martin, 39, both of Caney, Kan., were arrested.

Both Donald Martin and Kenneth Martin were booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of&nbsp; possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652133980158.png" alt="Kenneth Martin-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Kenneth Martin-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY–Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug charges after a weekend traffic stop.Just after before 2a.m. Saturday,&nbsp; a K9 Unit conducted a traffic stop on a tan 2001 Ford F150 pickup truck near NW US 24 Highway and NW Topeka Boulevard for making an improper turn, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.During the investigation, deputies found illegal narcotics. Two backseat passengers, Donald A. Martin, 37,&nbsp; and Kenneth J. Martin, 39, both of Caney, Kan., were arrested.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652133923094.png" alt="Donald Martin-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Donald Martin-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Both Donald Martin and Kenneth Martin were booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of&nbsp; possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Kan. sheriff's K9 unit: Backseat passengers were hiding drugs

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

Following an investigation into allegations that a child had been sexually assaulted,&nbsp; police arrested 62-year-old Larry  Bereis, according to a media release from police.

Bereis is currently being held on a $500,000 bond on requested charges of sexual assault of a child &lt; 14 years of age.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652105332811.png" alt="Beireis is being held on a $500,000 bond-photo Pratt Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Beireis is being held on a $500,000 bond-photo Pratt Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>PRATT COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for alleged child sex crimes.Following an investigation into allegations that a child had been sexually assaulted,&nbsp; police arrested 62-year-old Larry Bereis, according to a media release from police.Bereis is currently being held on a $500,000 bond on requested charges of sexual assault of a child &lt; 14 years of age.

Kansas man held on $500K bond for alleged child sex crimes

OSAGE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on drug charges after a weekend arrest.

Just before 1:30a.m. Saturday, a sheriff’s deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop on an ATV in the 100 block of North 5th Street in Quenemo, according to Sheriff Chris Wells.

 The driver of the ATV, later identified as 39-year-old Richard W. Traver, Jr. 39, Quenemo,&nbsp; stopped, then fled on foot. After a brief foot pursuit deputies apprehended him.

Deputies then transported Traver to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of&nbsp; felony interference with a law enforcement officer, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and a felony arrest warrant.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652016356057.png" alt="Traver photo Osage Co." />
 <figcaption>Traver photo Osage Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on drug charges after a weekend arrest.Just before 1:30a.m. Saturday, a sheriff’s deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop on an ATV in the 100 block of North 5th Street in Quenemo, according to Sheriff Chris Wells. The driver of the ATV, later identified as 39-year-old Richard W. Traver, Jr. 39, Quenemo,&nbsp; stopped, then fled on foot. After a brief foot pursuit deputies apprehended him.Deputies then transported Traver to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of&nbsp; felony interference with a law enforcement officer, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and a felony arrest warrant.

Kan. man accused of drug crimes after traffic stop of ATV

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Democratic lawmakers in more than a dozen states are following California’s lead in seeking to offer legal refuge to displaced transgender youth and their families.

The coordinated effort being announced Tuesday by the LGBTQ Victory Institute and other advocates comes in response to recent actions taken in conservative states. In Texas, for example, Gov. Gregg Abbott has directed state agencies to consider placing transgender children in foster care, though a judge has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-greg-abbott-texas-child-abuse-bad82efbb182e59030eaf9c4ca7cd3f8">temporarily blocked</a>&nbsp;such investigations. And multiple states have approved measures prohibiting gender-affirming health care treatments for transgender youth.

To combat such moves, lawmakers in both Minnesota and New York recently filed refuge state legislation modeled after the bill proposed in March by state Sen. Scott Wiener in California. Democrats in 16 other states plan to follow suit, though about half of their legislatures are out of session or not currently accepting new bills.

Wiener said he immediately began hearing from other states after coming forward with his bill, which would reject any out-of-state court judgments removing children from their parents’ custody because they allowed gender-affirming health care. It also would make arrest warrants based on alleged violation of another state’s law against receiving such care the lowest priority for California law enforcement.

“We’re sick of just playing defense against what these red states are doing,” Wiener said in an interview Monday. “We’re going on offense, we’re going to protect LGBQT kids and their families and we’re going to build a rainbow wall to protect our community.”

Also joining the effort are LGBTQ lawmakers in Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and West Virginia.

Annise Parker, president and CEO of the Victory Institute, acknowledged that the legislation likely will fail in some states but said it was time to stand against the onslaught of bills targeting the LGBTQ community.

“This is our opportunity to drive the conversation and the debate, and to call on our allies proactively to step up instead of allowing ourselves to be targeted,” said Parker, who was the first openly LGBTQ mayor of a major American city when she led Houston for six years.

“We would love to see these bills in states where there are more progressive legislatures,” she said. “But we also think it’s important that trans kids and their families out there see and hear legislators from our community standing up and defending them.”

Wiener said it is despicable that any family would have to consider moving to a new state to protect a child, but if that happens, he hopes as many states as possible will welcome them.

“When your kid is being threatened with removal from your home, families are going to consider a lot of different options, and we just want to be clear that if you decide that’s the option for you, we’re going to do everything we can do to welcome you and protect you,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596824087253.png" alt="Rep. Stephanie Byers, a Wichita Democrat and the first transgender state lawmaker elected in Kansas-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Stephanie Byers, a Wichita Democrat and the first transgender state lawmaker elected in Kansas-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — Democratic lawmakers in more than a dozen states are following California’s lead in seeking to offer legal refuge to displaced transgender youth and their families.The coordinated effort being announced Tuesday by the LGBTQ Victory Institute and other advocates comes in response to recent actions taken in conservative states. In Texas, for example, Gov. Gregg Abbott has directed state agencies to consider placing transgender children in foster care, though a judge has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-greg-abbott-texas-child-abuse-bad82efbb182e59030eaf9c4ca7cd3f8">temporarily blocked</a>&nbsp;such investigations. And multiple states have approved measures prohibiting gender-affirming health care treatments for transgender youth.To combat such moves, lawmakers in both Minnesota and New York recently filed refuge state legislation modeled after the bill proposed in March by state Sen. Scott Wiener in California. Democrats in 16 other states plan to follow suit, though about half of their legislatures are out of session or not currently accepting new bills.Wiener said he immediately began hearing from other states after coming forward with his bill, which would reject any out-of-state court judgments removing children from their parents’ custody because they allowed gender-affirming health care. It also would make arrest warrants based on alleged violation of another state’s law against receiving such care the lowest priority for California law enforcement.“We’re sick of just playing defense against what these red states are doing,” Wiener said in an interview Monday. “We’re going on offense, we’re going to protect LGBQT kids and their families and we’re going to build a rainbow wall to protect our community.”Also joining the effort are LGBTQ lawmakers in Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and West Virginia.Annise Parker, president and CEO of the Victory Institute, acknowledged that the legislation likely will fail in some states but said it was time to stand against the onslaught of bills targeting the LGBTQ community.“This is our opportunity to drive the conversation and the debate, and to call on our allies proactively to step up instead of allowing ourselves to be targeted,” said Parker, who was the first openly LGBTQ mayor of a major American city when she led Houston for six years.“We would love to see these bills in states where there are more progressive legislatures,” she said. “But we also think it’s important that trans kids and their families out there see and hear legislators from our community standing up and defending them.”Wiener said it is despicable that any family would have to consider moving to a new state to protect a child, but if that happens, he hopes as many states as possible will welcome them.“When your kid is being threatened with removal from your home, families are going to consider a lot of different options, and we just want to be clear that if you decide that’s the option for you, we’re going to do everything we can do to welcome you and protect you,” he said.

Lawmakers in Kan., 18 other states want legal refuge for trans youth

FINNEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a series of fires at an abandoned motel in Garden City and have made an arrest.

Just after 5:30p.m. Friday, police and fire crews were dispatch to the Dusty Trail, 2808 West Taylor Avenue in Garden City, according to police. First responders observed large flames coming from the second floor on the west side of the building.

Crews were able to bring the fire under control in approximately 30 minutes. There were no injuries. Investigators determined the fire was intentionally set.

After an investigation, officers arrested 25-year-old Enrique Ismael Sanchez, a transient.&nbsp; Police believe he was also responsible for setting the fire at the motel on April 26. He is being held on requested charges of arson and burglary, according to police.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651943892393.png" alt="Sanchez-photo Finney Co." />
 <figcaption>Sanchez-photo Finney Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a series of fires at an abandoned motel in Garden City and have made an arrest.Just after 5:30p.m. Friday, police and fire crews were dispatch to the Dusty Trail, 2808 West Taylor Avenue in Garden City, according to police. First responders observed large flames coming from the second floor on the west side of the building.Crews were able to bring the fire under control in approximately 30 minutes. There were no injuries. Investigators determined the fire was intentionally set.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651068082835.png" alt="Fire crews on the scene of the fire at the motel on April 26." />
 <figcaption>Fire crews on the scene of the fire at the motel on April 26.</figcaption>
 </figure>After an investigation, officers arrested 25-year-old Enrique Ismael Sanchez, a transient.&nbsp; Police believe he was also responsible for setting the fire at the motel on April 26. He is being held on requested charges of arson and burglary, according to police.

Man accused of setting fires at SW Kansas motel

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two separate homicides that occurred in Kansas City, Kansas on Mother's Day.

Just before 9p.m. officers responded to a shooting in the 200 Block of North 27th Street, according to a media release. They found a man with gunshot wounds deceased outside a residence.

Just before 9:30p.m. police responded to a second shooting in the 7300 Block of State Avenue. They found a man with apparent gunshot wounds. EMS transported him to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Police released no additional details early Monday and have not reported an arrest.

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two separate homicides that occurred in Kansas City, Kansas on Mother's Day.Just before 9p.m. officers responded to a shooting in the 200 Block of North 27th Street, according to a media release. They found a man with gunshot wounds deceased outside a residence.Just before 9:30p.m. police responded to a second shooting in the 7300 Block of State Avenue. They found a man with apparent gunshot wounds. EMS transported him to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.Police released no additional details early Monday and have not reported an arrest.

2 deadly shootings on Mother's Day in Kansas City

SCOTT COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect after a high-speed chase in western Kansas.

Just after 4p.m. Saturday, police in Scott City attempted to stop a pickup for traffic infractions, according to a media release.

 The vehicle failed to stop and officers pursued.  The pursuit traveled over 50 miles through rural Scott County and ended in Finney County at 4:55 p.m.&nbsp;

Braden Timothy Mitchell, age 20, of Holcomb was arrested by Scott City officers on requested charges of felony flee and elude, reckless driving, driving under the influence, transportation of an open container, minor in possession of alcohol, possession of THC, criminal possession of a firearm, illegal window tint and multiple traffic violations.

KHP and Finney County Sheriff assisted with the pursuit.  Mitchell is currently in the custody of the Scott County Sheriff and the case has been forwarded to the Scott County Attorney.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652094015787.png" alt="The pursuit traveled over 50 miles through rural Scott County a Finney counties-photo Scott City Police." />
 <figcaption>The pursuit traveled over 50 miles through rural Scott County a Finney counties-photo Scott City Police.</figcaption>
 </figure>SCOTT COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect after a high-speed chase in western Kansas.Just after 4p.m. Saturday, police in Scott City attempted to stop a pickup for traffic infractions, according to a media release. The vehicle failed to stop and officers pursued. The pursuit traveled over 50 miles through rural Scott County and ended in Finney County at 4:55 p.m.&nbsp;Braden Timothy Mitchell, age 20, of Holcomb was arrested by Scott City officers on requested charges of felony flee and elude, reckless driving, driving under the influence, transportation of an open container, minor in possession of alcohol, possession of THC, criminal possession of a firearm, illegal window tint and multiple traffic violations.KHP and Finney County Sheriff assisted with the pursuit. Mitchell is currently in the custody of the Scott County Sheriff and the case has been forwarded to the Scott County Attorney.

Man arrested after 50 mile, western Kan. high-speed chase

FINNEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man following an incident near an elementary school.

Just after 10 a.m. Friday, police responded to the 3600 block of Cole Circle in Garden City for a report of a suspicious person, according to a media release. Officers were notified that a man had been walking through yards in the neighborhood.

Upon arrival, Officers located 43-year-old Louis William Gomez III&nbsp; who stated he was picking up trash in the neighborhood as a good deed. Officers warned Gomez to stay off other people’s property without permission and left.

At around 11:00 A.M., Officers were dispatched to Victor Ornelas Elementary School,&nbsp;3401 E. Spruce Street, for a disturbance. The reporting party notified Officers that a man matching Gomez’s description was hitting vehicles in the school parking lot with children outside. 

Officers located Gomez in the area and arrested him. Victor Ornelas Elementary School, as well as Charles O. Stones Intermediate Center, were placed on lockdown as a precaution until Gomez was located by law enforcement. The schools were in lockdown for approximately 30 minutes.

Through further investigation, it was revealed that Gomez had been looking through windows of residences in the 600 block of Warrior Street, prior to the incident at Victor Ornelas Elementary School. Witnesses told Officers that Gomez attempted to access one of the residences through the back door. 

Gomez was being held on requested charges of Disorderly Conduct and Window Peeping. He is no longer in custody, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651926018319.png" alt="Gomez-photo Finney Co." />
 <figcaption>Gomez-photo Finney Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man following an incident near an elementary school.Just after 10 a.m. Friday, police responded to the 3600 block of Cole Circle in Garden City for a report of a suspicious person, according to a media release. Officers were notified that a man had been walking through yards in the neighborhood.Upon arrival, Officers located 43-year-old Louis William Gomez III&nbsp; who stated he was picking up trash in the neighborhood as a good deed. Officers warned Gomez to stay off other people’s property without permission and left.At around 11:00 A.M., Officers were dispatched to Victor Ornelas Elementary School,&nbsp;3401 E. Spruce Street, for a disturbance. The reporting party notified Officers that a man matching Gomez’s description was hitting vehicles in the school parking lot with children outside. Officers located Gomez in the area and arrested him. Victor Ornelas Elementary School, as well as Charles O. Stones Intermediate Center, were placed on lockdown as a precaution until Gomez was located by law enforcement. The schools were in lockdown for approximately 30 minutes.Through further investigation, it was revealed that Gomez had been looking through windows of residences in the 600 block of Warrior Street, prior to the incident at Victor Ornelas Elementary School. Witnesses told Officers that Gomez attempted to access one of the residences through the back door. Gomez was being held on requested charges of Disorderly Conduct and Window Peeping. He is no longer in custody, according to online jail records.

Man accused of window peeping near Kan. elementary school

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for drug and theft charges.

Just after 2p.m. Friday, police&nbsp;doing a follow up investigation on an attempt to locate for a wanted subject saw an individual who fit the description of the suspect in the area of the 200 block of NW Studer.

Officers took 34-year-old Ryan Wayne Brooks into custody at 218 NW Studer.

The investigation resulted in officers obtaining a search warrant for the Studer address where they located stolen property and narcotics.

Officers also located a woman hiding in the attic. Alexis Lee Tracy, 27, of Topeka was arrested and transported to Shawnee County Department of corrections for a county warrant.

 Brooks is being held on requested charges of&nbsp;Possession of Meth, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Theft over $25,000 and Theft $1,500-$25,000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651878308085.png" alt="Brooks photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Brooks photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for drug and theft charges.Just after 2p.m. Friday, police&nbsp;doing a follow up investigation on an attempt to locate for a wanted subject saw an individual who fit the description of the suspect in the area of the 200 block of NW Studer.Officers took 34-year-old Ryan Wayne Brooks into custody at 218 NW Studer.The investigation resulted in officers obtaining a search warrant for the Studer address where they located stolen property and narcotics.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651878350117.png" alt="Tracy photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Tracy photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Officers also located a woman hiding in the attic. Alexis Lee Tracy, 27, of Topeka was arrested and transported to Shawnee County Department of corrections for a county warrant. Brooks is being held on requested charges of&nbsp;Possession of Meth, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Theft over $25,000 and Theft $1,500-$25,000.

Theft investigation: Kan. suspect hid in the attic

POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating&nbsp; after a chase with a stolen vehicle called off the search for the driver over the vehicle. Investigators have learned the identity of the driver will issue a warrant for his arrest.

On Saturday afternoon, authorities alerted the public to&nbsp;an increased police presence in the area of 6th and Lincoln in St. George, according to a social media report.

This is the result of a pursuit that ended at that location where the subjects fled after wrecking the stolen vehicle they were driving.

One suspect was in custody and police were looking for the driver until they called off the search just before 4p.m.

Police described him as a white male, approximately 6 feet tall, wearing blue jeans, a white shirt, brown hair, and a ponytail. If you see this subject please call 911.

Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect after a chase with a stolen vehicle.

One suspect was in custody and police were still looking for the driver. He is described as a white male, approximately 6 feet tall, wearing blue jeans, a white shirt, brown hair, and a ponytail. If you see this subject please call 911.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651953395654.png" alt="Photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating&nbsp; after a chase with a stolen vehicle called off the search for the driver over the vehicle. Investigators have learned the identity of the driver will issue a warrant for his arrest.On Saturday afternoon, authorities alerted the public to&nbsp;an increased police presence in the area of 6th and Lincoln in St. George, according to a social media report.This is the result of a pursuit that ended at that location where the subjects fled after wrecking the stolen vehicle they were driving.One suspect was in custody and police were looking for the driver until they called off the search just before 4p.m.Police described him as a white male, approximately 6 feet tall, wearing blue jeans, a white shirt, brown hair, and a ponytail. If you see this subject please call 911.Check the Post for additional details as they become available.--------POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect after a chase with a stolen vehicle.On Saturday afternoon, authorities alerted the public to&nbsp;an increased police presence in the area of 6th and Lincoln in St. George, according to a social media report.This is the result of a pursuit that ended at that location where the subjects fled after wrecking the stolen vehicle they were driving.One suspect was in custody and police were still looking for the driver. He is described as a white male, approximately 6 feet tall, wearing blue jeans, a white shirt, brown hair, and a ponytail. If you see this subject please call 911.Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

Police call off search for suspect after chase, crash in stolen vehicle

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that injured three people on Thursday night and have made an arrest.

Just before 11:45 p.m. Thursday, police were wrapping up work on a 911 dispatched call in the area of Mount Vernon and Washington in Wichita when they heard multiple gunshots and witnessed a vehicle traveling eastbound on Harry at a high rate of speed, according to Officer Chad Ditch.

 Officers stopped the vehicle and contacted the occupants, a 19-year-old woman and a 22-year-old man, both with non-lifethreatening gunshot wounds. 

EMS transported them to an area hospital for treatment. A third occupant, a 19-year-old man was uninjured.

The investigation revealed that there was a small gathering in the 1700 block of South Emporia in Wichita when a disturbance occurred, and several gunshots were fired. Officers arrived at the residence and located a 17-year-old man, who had a gunshot wound to his leg. The victim was transported to an area hospital for treatment.

Police arrested 1<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20069673">9-year-old Isaiah Coleman </a>at the residence and booked him on requested charges of Felon in Possession of a Firearm and interference with Law Enforcement, according to Ditch.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651865073819.png" alt="Coleman-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Coleman-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that injured three people on Thursday night and have made an arrest.Just before 11:45 p.m. Thursday, police were wrapping up work on a 911 dispatched call in the area of Mount Vernon and Washington in Wichita when they heard multiple gunshots and witnessed a vehicle traveling eastbound on Harry at a high rate of speed, according to Officer Chad Ditch.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651834112032.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation early Friday -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation early Friday -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure> Officers stopped the vehicle and contacted the occupants, a 19-year-old woman and a 22-year-old man, both with non-lifethreatening gunshot wounds. EMS transported them to an area hospital for treatment. A third occupant, a 19-year-old man was uninjured.The investigation revealed that there was a small gathering in the 1700 block of South Emporia in Wichita when a disturbance occurred, and several gunshots were fired. Officers arrived at the residence and located a 17-year-old man, who had a gunshot wound to his leg. The victim was transported to an area hospital for treatment.Police arrested 1<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20069673">9-year-old Isaiah Coleman </a>at the residence and booked him on requested charges of Felon in Possession of a Firearm and interference with Law Enforcement, according to Ditch.

Kansas teen accused in shooting at gathering that injured three

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal shooting have arrested 19-year-old Kayden Smith of Topeka, according to Police Lt. Jerry Monasmith.

Just after 11:p.m. April 22, police were dispatched to the 500 Block of SW Lane in reference to a shooting. One victim identified as 35-year-old Dustin Michael Clayton of Topeka, suffering from a gunshot wound was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Following a two week investigation and a collaborative effort with the U.S. Marshal Service and the Kansas Highway Patrol, police arrested Smith and transported him to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on a requested charge of Murder in the 1st Degree.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651924065593.png" alt="Smith photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Smith photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal shooting have arrested 19-year-old Kayden Smith of Topeka, according to Police Lt. Jerry Monasmith.Just after 11:p.m. April 22, police were dispatched to the 500 Block of SW Lane in reference to a shooting. One victim identified as 35-year-old Dustin Michael Clayton of Topeka, suffering from a gunshot wound was pronounced deceased at the scene.Following a two week investigation and a collaborative effort with the U.S. Marshal Service and the Kansas Highway Patrol, police arrested Smith and transported him to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on a requested charge of Murder in the 1st Degree.--------

Police make Kan. murder arrest following 2 week investigation

ALLEN COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Allen County Sheriff’s Office have arrested a man connected to the death of Richard Diehl.

Just after 4p.m. Friday, police arrested Raymond D. Maloney, 78, at his residence of 1285 2400th&nbsp;Street in La Harpe, according to a media release from the KBI.. Maloney was arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder connected to the killing of his neighbor 68-year-old Richard Diehl.

On Tuesday, the Allen County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a subject who had located a deceased family member, according to the KBI.

When deputies arrived at 1255 2400th Street in La Harpe, they discovered&nbsp; Diehl's body. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

An autopsy was performed. The preliminary autopsy results indicated that the manner of Diehl’s death was homicide.

Maloney was arrested without incident and was then booked into the Allen County Jail.

&nbsp;Formal charges are expected from Jerry B. Hathaway, Allen County Attorney.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651883621817.png" alt="Maloney-photo Allen County" />
 <figcaption>Maloney-photo Allen County</figcaption>
 </figure>ALLEN COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Allen County Sheriff’s Office have arrested a man connected to the death of Richard Diehl.Just after 4p.m. Friday, police arrested Raymond D. Maloney, 78, at his residence of 1285 2400th&nbsp;Street in La Harpe, according to a media release from the KBI.. Maloney was arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder connected to the killing of his neighbor 68-year-old Richard Diehl.On Tuesday, the Allen County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a subject who had located a deceased family member, according to the KBI.When deputies arrived at 1255 2400th Street in La Harpe, they discovered&nbsp; Diehl's body. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.An autopsy was performed. The preliminary autopsy results indicated that the manner of Diehl’s death was homicide.Maloney was arrested without incident and was then booked into the Allen County Jail.&nbsp;Formal charges are expected from Jerry B. Hathaway, Allen County Attorney.&nbsp;---------

KBI: Kansas man arrested for the murder of his neighbor

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

SALINA —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man in connection to multiple theft cases in Salina.

Deputies were sent to the 3500 block of Gerard northwest of Salina for the report of a possible stolen camper at the Saline County State Fishing Lake, according to&nbsp;Saline County Sheriff's Lieutenant Jeremiah Hayes.

When they arrived, they discovered that the camper was, indeed, one reported stolen recently in Salina, Hayes said.

As deputies were preparing to hook up the camper to take it to the sheriff's office for further investigation, a pickup started to pull into the lake drive, then suddenly backed up and took off on Gerard Road at a high rate of speed, Hayes said.

 A pursuit ensued and eventually the pickup and its driver, identified as Christopher Gochanour, 27, of Salina, were located at a motel on Diamond Drive in north Salina.

When law enforcement personnel arrived at the motel, Gochanour fled on foot, but was quickly apprehended.

Saline County Undersheriff Brent Melander said personnel from both the Salina Police Department and the Kansas Highway Patrol assisted in the pursuit.

Both the camper and the pickup were taken to the sheriff's office.

Inside, they found a number of power tools and hand tools, some of which were determined to be stolen from the City of Salina's maintenance building in Sunset Park. Additionally, methamphetamine was found in the pickup and marijuana was found in the camper.

Hayes said the insignias and other identifying marks on the camper had been covered with spray paint and the pickup had a license plate from another pickup that looked similar to the one Gochanour was driving.

In addition, mail belonging to a Salina resident was found in the camper and an insurance check made out to that person was found in the pickup, according to Hayes.

Gochanour, who had an active warrant out of Saline County, was arrested on that warrant.&nbsp; Gochanour is being held on requested charges,&nbsp;Crim damage to prop;w/o consent $1K-$25K, Ignition interlock device; Operate a car without a required device, Obstructing apprehenstion or prosecution: Misdemeanor, Poss of marijuana; 2 or more prior convictions Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant, Poss of stolen property;Value $1,500 to $25,000, Unlawful acts: vehicle registration violation and Use/poss drug paraphernalia/human body, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651853897958.png" alt="Christopher Gochanour photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Christopher Gochanour photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostSALINA —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man in connection to multiple theft cases in Salina.Deputies were sent to the 3500 block of Gerard northwest of Salina for the report of a possible stolen camper at the Saline County State Fishing Lake, according to&nbsp;Saline County Sheriff's Lieutenant Jeremiah Hayes.When they arrived, they discovered that the camper was, indeed, one reported stolen recently in Salina, Hayes said.As deputies were preparing to hook up the camper to take it to the sheriff's office for further investigation, a pickup started to pull into the lake drive, then suddenly backed up and took off on Gerard Road at a high rate of speed, Hayes said. A pursuit ensued and eventually the pickup and its driver, identified as Christopher Gochanour, 27, of Salina, were located at a motel on Diamond Drive in north Salina.When law enforcement personnel arrived at the motel, Gochanour fled on foot, but was quickly apprehended.Saline County Undersheriff Brent Melander said personnel from both the Salina Police Department and the Kansas Highway Patrol assisted in the pursuit.Both the camper and the pickup were taken to the sheriff's office.Inside, they found a number of power tools and hand tools, some of which were determined to be stolen from the City of Salina's maintenance building in Sunset Park. Additionally, methamphetamine was found in the pickup and marijuana was found in the camper.Hayes said the insignias and other identifying marks on the camper had been covered with spray paint and the pickup had a license plate from another pickup that looked similar to the one Gochanour was driving.In addition, mail belonging to a Salina resident was found in the camper and an insurance check made out to that person was found in the pickup, according to Hayes.Gochanour, who had an active warrant out of Saline County, was arrested on that warrant.&nbsp; Gochanour is being held on requested charges,&nbsp;Crim damage to prop;w/o consent $1K-$25K, Ignition interlock device; Operate a car without a required device, Obstructing apprehenstion or prosecution: Misdemeanor, Poss of marijuana; 2 or more prior convictions Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant, Poss of stolen property;Value $1,500 to $25,000, Unlawful acts: vehicle registration violation and Use/poss drug paraphernalia/human body, according to online jail records.

Wanted Kansas man arrives as deputies begin investigation

HARVEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a disturbance involving gunshots reported Thursday night in Newton.

Just after 9 p.m. Thursday, officers were dispatched for an active disturbance&nbsp;in the area of East 12th and Magnolia in Newton, according to a social media report from police.

While they were en route, several 911 calls reported multiple gunshots in the area. Officers arrived at a chaotic scene but were quickly able to determine no one was injured. Police searched two residences and found no victims or suspects.

After interviewing witnesses, officers identified two people involved in the disturbance and recovered a handgun and several spent casings. No arrests have been made.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578590750272.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HARVEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a disturbance involving gunshots reported Thursday night in Newton.Just after 9 p.m. Thursday, officers were dispatched for an active disturbance&nbsp;in the area of East 12th and Magnolia in Newton, according to a social media report from police.While they were en route, several 911 calls reported multiple gunshots in the area. Officers arrived at a chaotic scene but were quickly able to determine no one was injured. Police searched two residences and found no victims or suspects.After interviewing witnesses, officers identified two people involved in the disturbance and recovered a handgun and several spent casings. No arrests have been made.

Police: Disturbance in Newton involved gunshots

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a suspicious death and have identified the victim as 74-year-old Harvey Baker of Topeka and have made an arrest.

Just before 3p.m. Thursday, police responded to 1900 NW Lyman Road on a call for service reference, checking the welfare of an individual, according to Lt. Jerry Monasmith.

Early Friday, police reported the arrest of 61-year-old Vicki Shelton of Topeka on a requested charge of first-degree murder.

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspicious death.

Just before 3p.m. Thursday, police responded to 1900 NW Lyman Road in Topeka on a call for service reference, checking the welfare of an individual, according to Lt. Jerry Monasmith.

Officers located an unresponsive adult, who was found to be deceased by medical personnel, at the scene. Police released no additional details Thursday evening.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651832047726.png" alt="Shelton photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Shelton photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a suspicious death and have identified the victim as 74-year-old Harvey Baker of Topeka and have made an arrest.Just before 3p.m. Thursday, police responded to 1900 NW Lyman Road on a call for service reference, checking the welfare of an individual, according to Lt. Jerry Monasmith.Early Friday, police reported the arrest of 61-year-old Vicki Shelton of Topeka on a requested charge of first-degree murder.--------SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspicious death.Just before 3p.m. Thursday, police responded to 1900 NW Lyman Road in Topeka on a call for service reference, checking the welfare of an individual, according to Lt. Jerry Monasmith.Officers located an unresponsive adult, who was found to be deceased by medical personnel, at the scene. Police released no additional details Thursday evening.

Police: Kansas woman accused of 74-year-old man's murder

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a homicide have identified the victim as 48-year-old Fransisco Garcia-Aguirre of Kansas City, Kansas.

On May 2, police responded to the 1900 Block of North 73rd Terrace in Kansas City, Kansas, according to a media release.

As they arrived on the scene, officer found Garcia-Aguirre outside the complex deceased from a gunshot wound.

Police have not reported an arrest or released details on a suspect. They asked the public for help with information on the case.

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a homicide have identified the victim as 48-year-old Fransisco Garcia-Aguirre of Kansas City, Kansas.On May 2, police responded to the 1900 Block of North 73rd Terrace in Kansas City, Kansas, according to a media release.As they arrived on the scene, officer found Garcia-Aguirre outside the complex deceased from a gunshot wound.Police have not reported an arrest or released details on a suspect. They asked the public for help with information on the case.

Homicide: Police ID 48-year-old Kansas shooting victim

BARTON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug charges after a traffic stop.

Just before 10 a.m. Wednesday, police initiated a traffic stop with a man later identified as 43-year-old Marcus Murphy who was on a bicycle at the intersection of Adams Street and Lakin Avenue in Great Bend for a traffic infraction, according to a media release.

The officer was advised by Barton County Dispatch that Murphy had two outstanding felony warrants for drug related charges out of Barton County.

Murphy was placed under arrest and transported to the Barton County Detention Center. Upon arrival to the Barton County Detention Center, a small bag containing a white powdery substance was located on Murphy. The powdery substance field tested positive for methamphetamine.

Murphy was booked and held on both outstanding warrants and on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651747741709.png" alt="Murphy-photo Barton Co." />
 <figcaption>Murphy-photo Barton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug charges after a traffic stop.Just before 10 a.m. Wednesday, police initiated a traffic stop with a man later identified as 43-year-old Marcus Murphy who was on a bicycle at the intersection of Adams Street and Lakin Avenue in Great Bend for a traffic infraction, according to a media release.The officer was advised by Barton County Dispatch that Murphy had two outstanding felony warrants for drug related charges out of Barton County.Murphy was placed under arrest and transported to the Barton County Detention Center. Upon arrival to the Barton County Detention Center, a small bag containing a white powdery substance was located on Murphy. The powdery substance field tested positive for methamphetamine.Murphy was booked and held on both outstanding warrants and on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine.

Police catch wanted Kan. man due to bicycle riding infraction

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect drug allegations after a tip from&nbsp;mobile platform for collectively improving towns and cities.

Just after 3:30 p.m. Monday, Community Policing Unit officers executed a search warrant at 1110 SW Washburn in Topeka.&nbsp; The CPOs had been following up on a See Click Fix complaint and follow up from Code Enforcement, according to Police Lt. Manuel Munoz.

Follow up by the CPOs and further investigation revealed that unauthorized individuals had been staying at the home. The officers made contact with the individuals at the home and were able to apply for a search warrant.

Officers arrested and transported, Christen Hollis, 42, of Topeka to Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Possession of Methamphetamine with intent within 1000 ft. of a school, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of PCP and a City Warrant, according to Munoz.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651664404430.png" alt="Hollis-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Hollis-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect drug allegations after a tip from&nbsp;mobile platform for collectively improving towns and cities.Just after 3:30 p.m. Monday, Community Policing Unit officers executed a search warrant at 1110 SW Washburn in Topeka.&nbsp; The CPOs had been following up on a See Click Fix complaint and follow up from Code Enforcement, according to Police Lt. Manuel Munoz.Follow up by the CPOs and further investigation revealed that unauthorized individuals had been staying at the home. The officers made contact with the individuals at the home and were able to apply for a search warrant.Officers arrested and transported, Christen Hollis, 42, of Topeka to Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Possession of Methamphetamine with intent within 1000 ft. of a school, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of PCP and a City Warrant, according to Munoz.

SeeClickFix complaint leads to Kansas drug arrest

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas City man has been charged in the shooting death of two teenagers in Kansas City, Kansas, authorities said.

Patrick Howard, 24, was charged with two counts of second-degree murder in the deaths of Samuel Guess and Antonio Johnson, who were both 14.

They were found shot to death on Feb. 18 inside an apartment across from Argentine Middle School in Kansas City, Kansas.

Howard was arrested Monday by U.S. Marshals. He's being held on $250,000 bond in the Wyandotte County Jail, said Nancy Chartrand, a spokeswoman for Kansas City, Kansas, police.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651664134761.png" alt="Howard-photo Wyandotte Co." />
 <figcaption>Howard-photo Wyandotte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas City man has been charged in the shooting death of two teenagers in Kansas City, Kansas, authorities said.Patrick Howard, 24, was charged with two counts of second-degree murder in the deaths of Samuel Guess and Antonio Johnson, who were both 14.They were found shot to death on Feb. 18 inside an apartment across from Argentine Middle School in Kansas City, Kansas.Howard was arrested Monday by U.S. Marshals. He's being held on $250,000 bond in the Wyandotte County Jail, said Nancy Chartrand, a spokeswoman for Kansas City, Kansas, police.

Man charged in killing of 2 teens near Kansas middle school

BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on out of state charges after a wild chase in Barton County.

Just before 12:30pm Tuesday, a man&nbsp;later identified as Kris Hanson, 57 of Wichita, came to the Barton County Sheriff’s Office to get a VIN inspection for an out-of-state title, according to the Sheriff Brian Bellendir.

In order to get an inspection, identification is required. The man provided the records clerk with a driver’s license, as is customary, the clerk ran a check for wants and warrants. The records officer discovered Hanson had outstanding warrants from Benton County, Arkansas for failing to appear on a larceny case.

The records clerk contacted detention officers and advised them of the situation. When deputies came to the lobby to arrest Hanson, he bolted and ran south on Kansas Street. Deputies gave chase.

At least two attempts to incapacitate the suspect with tasers failed. Hanson continued running south on Kansas Street, running between houses and at some point entered and ran through the Barton County Health Department and out an alley door.

Another deputy spotted Hanson in the alley and again gave chase. A third taser deployment was attempted, this time it was successful causing Hanson to fall to the ground. The suspect continued to resist arrest. After a short struggle the deputies were able to subdue Hanson and he was taken into custody.

Hanson was taken back to the Barton County Jail where he was booked on the Arkansas charges which carry no bond. Hanson was also booked on charges of resisting arrest with a bond of $2,500. One deputy was slightly injured in the altercation as was Hanson who fell while running and being tased.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651676508592.jpeg" alt="Hanson-photo Barton Co." />
 <figcaption>Hanson-photo Barton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on out of state charges after a wild chase in Barton County.Just before 12:30pm Tuesday, a man&nbsp;later identified as Kris Hanson, 57 of Wichita, came to the Barton County Sheriff’s Office to get a VIN inspection for an out-of-state title, according to the Sheriff Brian Bellendir.In order to get an inspection, identification is required. The man provided the records clerk with a driver’s license, as is customary, the clerk ran a check for wants and warrants. The records officer discovered Hanson had outstanding warrants from Benton County, Arkansas for failing to appear on a larceny case.The records clerk contacted detention officers and advised them of the situation. When deputies came to the lobby to arrest Hanson, he bolted and ran south on Kansas Street. Deputies gave chase.At least two attempts to incapacitate the suspect with tasers failed. Hanson continued running south on Kansas Street, running between houses and at some point entered and ran through the Barton County Health Department and out an alley door.Another deputy spotted Hanson in the alley and again gave chase. A third taser deployment was attempted, this time it was successful causing Hanson to fall to the ground. The suspect continued to resist arrest. After a short struggle the deputies were able to subdue Hanson and he was taken into custody.Hanson was taken back to the Barton County Jail where he was booked on the Arkansas charges which carry no bond. Hanson was also booked on charges of resisting arrest with a bond of $2,500. One deputy was slightly injured in the altercation as was Hanson who fell while running and being tased.

Kan. deputies chase wanted man through health department

Junction City police reported in their Wednesday tour log that notices to appear have been issued to juveniles in connection with an incident at 1321 Overbrooke Drive. The notices alleged Theft and Damage to Property in four cases, plus Trespass in one of those cases. 

In another case a juvenile was arrested on a requested charge of Criminal Threat stemming from an incident at 2209 Brooke Bend.&nbsp;

Junction City police reported in their Wednesday tour log that notices to appear have been issued to juveniles in connection with an incident at 1321 Overbrooke Drive. The notices alleged Theft and Damage to Property in four cases, plus Trespass in one of those cases. In another case a juvenile was arrested on a requested charge of Criminal Threat stemming from an incident at 2209 Brooke Bend.&nbsp;

Junction City police issue notices to appear in juvenile cases

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal weekend shooting have identified one victim as 34-year-old&nbsp;Michael A. Rehard, according to a media release from KCPD.

&nbsp;Rehard is one of three who died in separated incidents. One shooting happened late Saturday while the second one was reported shortly after 4 a.m. Sunday. In the first shooting, officers found two people who had been fatally wounded in the 1800 block of North 26th Street, according to the release.

A third person who had also been shot was taken to the hospital. On Sunday morning, police found Rehard dead and two wounded individuals in the 200 block of North 6th Street. Police have not reported any arrests.

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal weekend shooting have identified one victim as 34-year-old&nbsp;Michael A. Rehard, according to a media release from KCPD.&nbsp;Rehard is one of three who died in separated incidents. One shooting happened late Saturday while the second one was reported shortly after 4 a.m. Sunday. In the first shooting, officers found two people who had been fatally wounded in the 1800 block of North 26th Street, according to the release.A third person who had also been shot was taken to the hospital. On Sunday morning, police found Rehard dead and two wounded individuals in the 200 block of North 6th Street. Police have not reported any arrests.

Police ID one of three victims in weekend Kansas City killings

KANSAS CITY (AP)—A man who killed a couple during a robbery at their rural home more than a quarter of a century ago was put to death Tuesday, becoming just the fifth person executed in the United States this year.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/executions-sentencing-missouri-8b1099a050b86c4a98c6fd0da5e0e3ed">Carman Deck</a>, 56, died by injection at the state prison in Bonne Terre. He was pronounced dead at 6:10 p.m. His fate was sealed a day earlier when neither the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-executions-missouri-4d6d9cf622713c2f79a8d577ccb13520">U.S. Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;nor Republican Gov. Mike Parson stepped in to halt the execution. Deck’s death sentence was overturned three times before for procedural issues.

Deck mouthed a few inaudible words as the 5 grams of pentobarbital were administered, then puffed out a couple of breaths before all movement stopped, the process lasting just a few seconds.

“My hope is that one day the world will find peace and that we all will learn to be kind and loving to one another,” Deck said in a written final statement. “We all are a part of this journey through life, connected in every way. Please give love, show love, BE LOVE!”

Parson, in a statement, said the couple killed, James and Zelma Long, “were innocent victims of Carman Deck’s heinous violence. Tonight, justice was served.”

Just four other people have been executed in the U.S. in 2022 —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-oklahoma-oklahoma-city-robbery-mcalester-3693d1a245878cc773aa6bdbbad56ab4">Donald Anthony Grant</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/executions-oklahoma-mcalester-24d25f6c178c5b0852ccae3ba03214f1">Gilbert Ray Postelle&nbsp;</a>in Oklahoma,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-health-alabama-executions-b9b6c18d2d0f1833329d09091998b14a">Matthew Reeves</a>&nbsp;in Alabama and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-shootings-texas-executions-houston-74e25cf0325008b48a21619d257c69d0">Carl Wayne Buntio</a>&nbsp;n last month in Texas. Eleven people were executed in the U.S. last year, the fewest since 1988.

Court records show that Deck, of the St. Louis area, was a friend of the grandson of the Longs, who lived in De Soto, about 45 miles (72 kilometers) southwest of St. Louis. He knew the couple, in their late 60s, kept a safe in their home.

In July 1996, Deck and his sister stopped at the home under the guise of asking directions. Deck wasn’t surprised the couple let them in.

“They’re country folks,” Deck told a detective, according to court records. “They always do.”

Once inside, Deck pulled a gun from his waistband. At Deck’s command, Zelma Long opened the safe and removed jewelry, then got $200 from her purse and more money hidden in a canister.

Deck ordered the couple to lie on their stomachs on their bed. Court records said Deck stood there for 10 minutes deciding what to do, then shot James Long twice in the head before doing the same thing to Zelma Long.

A tip alerted police to Deck, and he was arrested later that night outside his sister’s apartment building in St. Louis County. The decorative tin canister from the Long home was on the floorboard of his car.

Prosecutors said Deck later gave a full account of the killings in oral, written and audiotaped statements. He was sentenced to death in 1998, but the Missouri Supreme Court tossed the sentence due to errors by Deck’s trial lawyer.

The U.S. Supreme Court threw out his second sentence in 2005, citing the prejudice caused by Deck being shackled in front of the sentencing jury.

He was sentenced to death for a third time in 2008.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/59b0d23c85d04ed7b8374ce433393748">Nine years later</a>, U.S. District Judge Catherine Perry determined that “substantial” evidence arguing against the death penalty in Deck’s first two penalty phases was unavailable for the third because witnesses had died, couldn’t be found or declined to cooperate.

In October 2020, a three-judge panel of the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals restored the death penalty, ruling that Deck should have raised his concern first in state court, not federal court. Appeals of that ruling were unsuccessful.

The clemency petition on behalf of Deck cited abuse he suffered as a child, including beatings that left welts and sexual abuse. It said he and his siblings often were left alone without food. Deck's attorney, Elizabeth Unger Carlyle, said in a statement that Deck also was raped while in prison for theft at age 19.

“This experience transformed him from a non-violent thief into the person who committed two terrible murders,” Carlyle said. She called his execution “unjust and immoral.”

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-executions-f32c014193ac2fdc77c15e7c3db4ec6c">number of executions</a>&nbsp;in the U.S. has declined significantly since peaking at 98 in 1998. The drop has coincided with declining support, falling from a high of 80% in 1994 to 54% in 2021 according to Gallup polls. Since the mid-1990s, opposition has risen from under 20% to around 45%.

Use of the death penalty has become concentrated mostly in a few Southern and Plains states. Last year, Texas executed three inmates, Oklahoma executed two, and one each were put to death in Alabama, Mississippi and Missouri. Three federal inmates were executed in January 2021, toward the end of President Donald Trump’s administration.

On Monday, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-executions-tennessee-nashville-e143acccdd34b46b346c0e1fb02fe823">paused executions</a>&nbsp;in his state for the rest of the year to enable a review of lethal injection procedures after a testing oversight forced the state to call off the execution of Oscar Smith an hour before he was to die on April 21.

KANSAS CITY (AP) —A man whose death sentence for killing a Missouri couple while robbing their home was overturned three times was scheduled to be executed on Tuesday.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/executions-sentencing-missouri-8b1099a050b86c4a98c6fd0da5e0e3ed">Carman Deck</a>, 56, would be just the fifth U.S. inmate to be executed this year if his lethal injection goes ahead. His hopes for a reprieve were all but dashed on Monday when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-executions-missouri-4d6d9cf622713c2f79a8d577ccb13520">the U.S. Supreme Court turned aside an appeal</a>&nbsp;and Republican Gov. Mike Parson declined Deck’s clemency request, though he could file new appeals.

Deck, who was from the St. Louis area, was a friend of the grandson of James and Zelma Long and knew they kept a safe in their home De Soto, about 45 miles southwest of St. Louis, according to court records.

In July 1996, Deck and his sister stopped at the home under the guise of asking for directions. Deck told a detective that he wasn’t surprised to be invited inside by the couple, who were in their late 60s.

“They’re country folks,” Deck said, according to court records. “They always do.”

A tip alerted police to Deck and he was arrested later that night outside his sister’s apartment building in St. Louis County. The decorative tin canister from the Long home was in his car.

Prosecutors said Deck later gave a full account of the killings. He was sentenced to death in 1998, but the Missouri Supreme Court tossed the sentence due to errors by Deck’s trial lawyer.

He was condemned to death a second time, but the U.S. Supreme Court threw out the sentence in 2005, citing the prejudice caused by Deck being shackled in front of the jury.

He was sentenced to death for a third time in 2008, but U.S. District Judge Catherine Perry overturned that sentence&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/59b0d23c85d04ed7b8374ce433393748">nine years later</a>&nbsp;after she determined that “substantial” evidence arguing against the death penalty during Deck’s first two penalty phases was unavailable for the third because witnesses had died, couldn’t be found or declined to cooperate.

Deck’s clemency petition said he suffered sexual abuse and beatings as a child, and that he and his siblings were often left alone without food.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1643738665139.png" alt="Deck photo MODOC" />
 <figcaption>Deck photo MODOC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP)—A man who killed a couple during a robbery at their rural home more than a quarter of a century ago was put to death Tuesday, becoming just the fifth person executed in the United States this year.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/executions-sentencing-missouri-8b1099a050b86c4a98c6fd0da5e0e3ed">Carman Deck</a>, 56, died by injection at the state prison in Bonne Terre. He was pronounced dead at 6:10 p.m. His fate was sealed a day earlier when neither the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-executions-missouri-4d6d9cf622713c2f79a8d577ccb13520">U.S. Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;nor Republican Gov. Mike Parson stepped in to halt the execution. Deck’s death sentence was overturned three times before for procedural issues.Deck mouthed a few inaudible words as the 5 grams of pentobarbital were administered, then puffed out a couple of breaths before all movement stopped, the process lasting just a few seconds.“My hope is that one day the world will find peace and that we all will learn to be kind and loving to one another,” Deck said in a written final statement. “We all are a part of this journey through life, connected in every way. Please give love, show love, BE LOVE!”Parson, in a statement, said the couple killed, James and Zelma Long, “were innocent victims of Carman Deck’s heinous violence. Tonight, justice was served.”Just four other people have been executed in the U.S. in 2022 —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-oklahoma-oklahoma-city-robbery-mcalester-3693d1a245878cc773aa6bdbbad56ab4">Donald Anthony Grant</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/executions-oklahoma-mcalester-24d25f6c178c5b0852ccae3ba03214f1">Gilbert Ray Postelle&nbsp;</a>in Oklahoma,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-health-alabama-executions-b9b6c18d2d0f1833329d09091998b14a">Matthew Reeves</a>&nbsp;in Alabama and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-shootings-texas-executions-houston-74e25cf0325008b48a21619d257c69d0">Carl Wayne Buntio</a>&nbsp;n last month in Texas. Eleven people were executed in the U.S. last year, the fewest since 1988.Court records show that Deck, of the St. Louis area, was a friend of the grandson of the Longs, who lived in De Soto, about 45 miles (72 kilometers) southwest of St. Louis. He knew the couple, in their late 60s, kept a safe in their home.In July 1996, Deck and his sister stopped at the home under the guise of asking directions. Deck wasn’t surprised the couple let them in.“They’re country folks,” Deck told a detective, according to court records. “They always do.”Once inside, Deck pulled a gun from his waistband. At Deck’s command, Zelma Long opened the safe and removed jewelry, then got $200 from her purse and more money hidden in a canister.Deck ordered the couple to lie on their stomachs on their bed. Court records said Deck stood there for 10 minutes deciding what to do, then shot James Long twice in the head before doing the same thing to Zelma Long.A tip alerted police to Deck, and he was arrested later that night outside his sister’s apartment building in St. Louis County. The decorative tin canister from the Long home was on the floorboard of his car.Prosecutors said Deck later gave a full account of the killings in oral, written and audiotaped statements. He was sentenced to death in 1998, but the Missouri Supreme Court tossed the sentence due to errors by Deck’s trial lawyer.The U.S. Supreme Court threw out his second sentence in 2005, citing the prejudice caused by Deck being shackled in front of the sentencing jury.He was sentenced to death for a third time in 2008.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/59b0d23c85d04ed7b8374ce433393748">Nine years later</a>, U.S. District Judge Catherine Perry determined that “substantial” evidence arguing against the death penalty in Deck’s first two penalty phases was unavailable for the third because witnesses had died, couldn’t be found or declined to cooperate.In October 2020, a three-judge panel of the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals restored the death penalty, ruling that Deck should have raised his concern first in state court, not federal court. Appeals of that ruling were unsuccessful.The clemency petition on behalf of Deck cited abuse he suffered as a child, including beatings that left welts and sexual abuse. It said he and his siblings often were left alone without food. Deck's attorney, Elizabeth Unger Carlyle, said in a statement that Deck also was raped while in prison for theft at age 19.“This experience transformed him from a non-violent thief into the person who committed two terrible murders,” Carlyle said. She called his execution “unjust and immoral.”The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-executions-f32c014193ac2fdc77c15e7c3db4ec6c">number of executions</a>&nbsp;in the U.S. has declined significantly since peaking at 98 in 1998. The drop has coincided with declining support, falling from a high of 80% in 1994 to 54% in 2021 according to Gallup polls. Since the mid-1990s, opposition has risen from under 20% to around 45%.Use of the death penalty has become concentrated mostly in a few Southern and Plains states. Last year, Texas executed three inmates, Oklahoma executed two, and one each were put to death in Alabama, Mississippi and Missouri. Three federal inmates were executed in January 2021, toward the end of President Donald Trump’s administration.On Monday, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-executions-tennessee-nashville-e143acccdd34b46b346c0e1fb02fe823">paused executions</a>&nbsp;in his state for the rest of the year to enable a review of lethal injection procedures after a testing oversight forced the state to call off the execution of Oscar Smith an hour before he was to die on April 21.----------KANSAS CITY (AP) —A man whose death sentence for killing a Missouri couple while robbing their home was overturned three times was scheduled to be executed on Tuesday.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/executions-sentencing-missouri-8b1099a050b86c4a98c6fd0da5e0e3ed">Carman Deck</a>, 56, would be just the fifth U.S. inmate to be executed this year if his lethal injection goes ahead. His hopes for a reprieve were all but dashed on Monday when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-executions-missouri-4d6d9cf622713c2f79a8d577ccb13520">the U.S. Supreme Court turned aside an appeal</a>&nbsp;and Republican Gov. Mike Parson declined Deck’s clemency request, though he could file new appeals.Deck, who was from the St. Louis area, was a friend of the grandson of James and Zelma Long and knew they kept a safe in their home De Soto, about 45 miles southwest of St. Louis, according to court records.In July 1996, Deck and his sister stopped at the home under the guise of asking for directions. Deck told a detective that he wasn’t surprised to be invited inside by the couple, who were in their late 60s.“They’re country folks,” Deck said, according to court records. “They always do.”Once inside, Deck pulled a gun from his waistband. At Deck’s command, Zelma Long opened the safe and removed jewelry, then got $200 from her purse and more money hidden in a canister.Deck ordered the couple to lie on their stomachs on their bed. Court records said Deck stood there for 10 minutes deciding what to do, then shot James Long twice in the head before doing the same thing to Zelma Long.A tip alerted police to Deck and he was arrested later that night outside his sister’s apartment building in St. Louis County. The decorative tin canister from the Long home was in his car.Prosecutors said Deck later gave a full account of the killings. He was sentenced to death in 1998, but the Missouri Supreme Court tossed the sentence due to errors by Deck’s trial lawyer.He was condemned to death a second time, but the U.S. Supreme Court threw out the sentence in 2005, citing the prejudice caused by Deck being shackled in front of the jury.He was sentenced to death for a third time in 2008, but U.S. District Judge Catherine Perry overturned that sentence&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/59b0d23c85d04ed7b8374ce433393748">nine years later</a>&nbsp;after she determined that “substantial” evidence arguing against the death penalty during Deck’s first two penalty phases was unavailable for the third because witnesses had died, couldn’t be found or declined to cooperate.In October 2020, a three-judge panel of the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals restored the death penalty, ruling that Deck should have raised his concern first in state court, not federal court. Appeals of that ruling were unsuccessful.Deck’s clemency petition said he suffered sexual abuse and beatings as a child, and that he and his siblings were often left alone without food.But Parson wasn’t swayed, explaining his rationale for rejecting the petition in a news release: “Mr. Deck has received due process, and three separate juries of his peers have recommended sentences of death for the brutal murders he committed.”<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-executions-f32c014193ac2fdc77c15e7c3db4ec6c">The number of executions</a>&nbsp;in the U.S. has declined significantly since peaking at 98 in 1998. The drop has coincided with a decline in public support for capital punishment that has fallen from a high of 80% in 1994 to 54% in 2021, according to Gallup polls. Since the mid-1990s, opposition to capital punishment has risen from under 20% to about 45%.Just four people have been executed in 2022 —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-oklahoma-oklahoma-city-robbery-mcalester-3693d1a245878cc773aa6bdbbad56ab4">Donald Anthony Grant</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/executions-oklahoma-mcalester-24d25f6c178c5b0852ccae3ba03214f1">Gilbert Ray Postelle</a>&nbsp;in Oklahoma,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-health-alabama-executions-b9b6c18d2d0f1833329d09091998b14a">Matthew Reeves</a>&nbsp;in Alabama and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-shootings-texas-executions-houston-74e25cf0325008b48a21619d257c69d0">Carl Wayne Buntion</a>&nbsp;last month in Texas. All four were convicted killers who were put to death by injection. Eleven people were executed in the U.S. last year, which was the country’s fewest executions since 1988.Use of the death penalty has become concentrated mostly in a few Southern and Plains states. Last year, Texas executed three inmates, Oklahoma executed two, and one each were put to death in Alabama, Mississippi and Missouri. Three federal inmates were executed in January 2021, toward the end of President Donald Trump’s administration.On Monday, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-executions-tennessee-nashville-e143acccdd34b46b346c0e1fb02fe823">paused executions</a>&nbsp;for the rest of the year to enable a review of lethal injection procedures after a testing oversight forced the state to call off the execution of Oscar Smith an hour before he was to die on April 21.---------------WASHINGTON (AP) —The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday declined to halt the upcoming execution of Missouri inmate Carman Deck, and Republican Gov. Mike Parson said he will not grant clemency.Deck, 56, is scheduled to die by injection at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the state prison in Bonne Terre for killing a couple while robbing their rural home in July 1996."Mr. Deck has received due process, and three separate juries of his peers have recommended sentences of death for the brutal murders he committed,” Parson said in a statement. “The State of Missouri will carry out Mr. Deck’s sentence according to the Court’s order and deliver justice.”Deck's attorney didn't immediately respond to a message seeking comment.Only four executions have been carried out in the U.S. so far in 2022, and the 11 last year were the fewest since 1988. Earlier Monday, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-executions-tennessee-nashville-e143acccdd34b46b346c0e1fb02fe823">paused executions</a>&nbsp;for the rest of the year to enable a review of the state's lethal injection procedures. That decision came after a testing oversight forced the state to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-health-crime-executions-tennessee-c35f2cf35a7791617bd4e24555d13a2c">call off the execution</a>&nbsp;of Oscar Smith an hour before he was to die on April 21.Deck, of the St. Louis area, admitted that he killed James Long, 69, and his 67-year-old wife, Zelma, while robbing them at their home in the eastern Missouri town of De Soto in July 1996.Deck's death sentence was thrown out three times due to procedural errors before a federal appeals court panel restored it in 2020.The clemency petition on behalf of Deck cited abuse he suffered as a child, including sexual abuse and beatings. It also said he and his siblings often were left alone without food.The number of executions in the U.S. has declined significantly since peaking at 98 in 1998. The drop has coincided with a decline in public support for capital punishment that has fallen from a high of 80% in 1994 to 54% in 2021, according to Gallup polls. Since the mid-1990s, opposition to capital punishment has risen from under 20% to about 45%.------------JEFFERSON CITY—On Monday, Governor Mike Parson confirmed that the State of Missouri will carry out the sentence of 56-year-old Carmen Deck on Tuesday, May 3, 2022, as ordered by the Supreme Court of Missouri, according to a statement from Parson's office."Mr. Deck has received due process, and three separate juries of his peers have recommended sentences of death for the brutal murders he committed,"&nbsp;Governor Parson&nbsp;said. "The State of Missouri will carry out Mr. Deck's sentence according to the Court's order and&nbsp;deliver justice."Deck was tried and convicted for the heinous execution-style murders of two innocent elderly victims during a robbery in 1996. Mr. Deck fully admitted to his callous offenses in verbal, written, and recorded statements to law enforcement.Court records said Deck and his sister went to the Long home under the guise of asking for directions, but with the intent to rob them. Deck pulled a pistol from his waistband and ordered them to lie facedown on their bed. He shot them in the head. In three different proceedings, separate juries have recommended Mr. Deck’s death sentences. Deck's case has been reviewed in the state trial court, Missouri Supreme Court, federal district court, Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, and United States Supreme Court.