FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a shooting in southwest Kansas that sent three victims to the hospital.

Just after 5:30a.m. Wednesday, police responded to report of a shooting&nbsp; at&nbsp;the Continental Apartments, 1408 W. Buffalo Jones Avenue, in Garden City, according to Garden City police spokesperson Erinn Reyes. 

Officers arrived to find a victim had been shot, and the victim was transported to St. Catherine Hospital by Finney County EMS in serious condition. 

After the victim was taken to the hospital, Officers were notified by hospital staff that before they arrived, two additional gunshot victims were dropped off at the emergency room by personal vehicle. The three victims were later transported to Wichita for further treatment.

To ensure the safety of staff and patients, St. Catherine Hospital was placed on lockdown following the arrival of the gunshot victims. The&nbsp;social media rumors regarding an active shooter at the hospital due to the lockdown were false, according to Reyes.&nbsp; "At no point was there an active shooter incident at the hospital."&nbsp; Police have not reported an arrest or suspect details.

FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a shooting in southwest Kansas that sent three victims to the hospital.Just after 5:30a.m. Wednesday, police responded to report of a shooting&nbsp; at&nbsp;the Continental Apartments, 1408 W. Buffalo Jones Avenue, in Garden City, according to Garden City police spokesperson Erinn Reyes. Officers arrived to find a victim had been shot, and the victim was transported to St. Catherine Hospital by Finney County EMS in serious condition. After the victim was taken to the hospital, Officers were notified by hospital staff that before they arrived, two additional gunshot victims were dropped off at the emergency room by personal vehicle. The three victims were later transported to Wichita for further treatment.To ensure the safety of staff and patients, St. Catherine Hospital was placed on lockdown following the arrival of the gunshot victims. The&nbsp;social media rumors regarding an active shooter at the hospital due to the lockdown were false, according to Reyes.&nbsp; "At no point was there an active shooter incident at the hospital."&nbsp; Police have not reported an arrest or suspect details.

Hospital locked down after gun fight in southwest Kansas

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.

Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.

Alexander Summers, Driving while suspended, arrested 07/15

Jahcabien Livingston, Failure to appear, arrested 07/15

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752689421266.jpeg" alt="Dustin Cody, Criminal restraint; Aggravated domestic battery, choke in rude manner; Family member/dating relationship, arrested 07/15" />
 <figcaption>Dustin Cody, Criminal restraint; Aggravated domestic battery, choke in rude manner; Family member/dating relationship, arrested 07/15</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752689492741.jpeg" alt="Zachary Olson, Failure to appear, arrested 07/15" />
 <figcaption>Zachary Olson, Failure to appear, arrested 07/15</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752689521022.jpeg" alt="Christopher Steele, Criminal threat, arrested 07/15" />
 <figcaption>Christopher Steele, Criminal threat, arrested 07/15</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752689550303.jpeg" alt="Allyssa Bailey, Failure to appear (Three counts), arrested 07/16" />
 <figcaption>Allyssa Bailey, Failure to appear (Three counts), arrested 07/16</figcaption>
 </figure>Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.Alexander Summers, Driving while suspended, arrested 07/15Jahcabien Livingston, Failure to appear, arrested 07/15Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.

Geary County Booking Photos July 16

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating another homicide in Wichita have made an arrest.&nbsp; On Tuesday night, police in Hutchinson arrested 31-year-old Andrew R. Presley after a brief standoff, according to a media release from the Wichita Police Department.

Presley, identified from Sedgwick County arrest records. is being held in connection with the death of&nbsp;32-year-old Kelly Black.

Just before 6p.m. Sunday, police&nbsp;responded to a shooting in the 7000 block of E. Lincoln in Wichita.. First responders found&nbsp; Black lying on the ground with a gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital in critical condition but was later pronounced dead.

Pressley is being held on requested charges of second degree murder, a parole violation and for criminal possession of a firearm, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752662206536.png" alt="Presley-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Presley-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating another homicide in Wichita have made an arrest.&nbsp; On Tuesday night, police in Hutchinson arrested 31-year-old Andrew R. Presley after a brief standoff, according to a media release from the Wichita Police Department.Presley, identified from Sedgwick County arrest records. is being held in connection with the death of&nbsp;32-year-old Kelly Black.Just before 6p.m. Sunday, police&nbsp;responded to a shooting in the 7000 block of E. Lincoln in Wichita.. First responders found&nbsp; Black lying on the ground with a gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital in critical condition but was later pronounced dead.Pressley is being held on requested charges of second degree murder, a parole violation and for criminal possession of a firearm, according to online jail records.

Police arrest Kansas murder suspect after standoff

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect in connection with a business burglery.

On Monday, police were informed of a burglary at Progress Rail, an industrial plant located at 2604 Industrial Road in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

It has been determined the burglary occurred shortly after 3a.m. on Sunday. Miscellaneous items including headphones, food, a flashlight, and other items were taken. 

An investigation has led to the arrest of 36-year-old Keith D. Williams of Atchison, who was booked by officers on Tuesday afternoon on requested charges of burglary and theft. He was already in the custody of the county jail after police had arrested him on Monday on a Desota Kansas Municipal Court warrant. Officers executed a search warrant at a residence on Tuesday and recovered most of items taken.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752624279768.png" alt="Williams photo Atchison County" />
 <figcaption>Williams photo Atchison County</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect in connection with a business burglery.On Monday, police were informed of a burglary at Progress Rail, an industrial plant located at 2604 Industrial Road in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.It has been determined the burglary occurred shortly after 3a.m. on Sunday. Miscellaneous items including headphones, food, a flashlight, and other items were taken. An investigation has led to the arrest of 36-year-old Keith D. Williams of Atchison, who was booked by officers on Tuesday afternoon on requested charges of burglary and theft. He was already in the custody of the county jail after police had arrested him on Monday on a Desota Kansas Municipal Court warrant. Officers executed a search warrant at a residence on Tuesday and recovered most of items taken.

Police catch Kansas business burglary suspect, locate items taken

JACKSON COUNTY —A registered Kansas drug offender is back in custody after an encounter in the Jackson County, Kansas sheriff's office parking lot.

Just after 7p.m. July 12,&nbsp;&nbsp;a Sheriff’s Deputy arrested 48-year-old Rebecca Blackburn of Clay Center in the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office parking lot.

&nbsp; She was booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of aggravated violation of the offender registration act, possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.&nbsp; Blackburn has been listed as a registered offender since 2009 after a drug distribution conviction in 2007 and a heroin distribution conviction in 2017, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752504844445.png" alt="Blackburn photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Blackburn photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY —A registered Kansas drug offender is back in custody after an encounter in the Jackson County, Kansas sheriff's office parking lot.Just after 7p.m. July 12,&nbsp;&nbsp;a Sheriff’s Deputy arrested 48-year-old Rebecca Blackburn of Clay Center in the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office parking lot.&nbsp; She was booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of aggravated violation of the offender registration act, possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.&nbsp; Blackburn has been listed as a registered offender since 2009 after a drug distribution conviction in 2007 and a heroin distribution conviction in 2017, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Registered Kan. offender arrested in sheriff's office parking lot

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Missouri have identified the victim as 29-year-old Keilan Dobbs, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

Just after 4p.m. Thursday, patrol officers were dispatched to report of a shooting at 118th and Winchester.

.As officers arrived they located Dobbs and a woman in the street, suffering from gunshot wounds. Officers immediately began performing life saving measures and ordered EMS to the scene. Dobbs was pronounced deceased at the scene. EMS transported the woman to a local hospital with serious injuries.

This is being investigated as a homicide. Preliminary information indicated there was an altercation between several individuals. The argument escalated into a physical confrontation, which led to shots being fired, and the victims being struck. 

Police have not reported suspect information or reported an arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752194452854.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Missouri have identified the victim as 29-year-old Keilan Dobbs, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.Just after 4p.m. Thursday, patrol officers were dispatched to report of a shooting at 118th and Winchester..As officers arrived they located Dobbs and a woman in the street, suffering from gunshot wounds. Officers immediately began performing life saving measures and ordered EMS to the scene. Dobbs was pronounced deceased at the scene. EMS transported the woman to a local hospital with serious injuries.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752194481952.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>This is being investigated as a homicide. Preliminary information indicated there was an altercation between several individuals. The argument escalated into a physical confrontation, which led to shots being fired, and the victims being struck. Police have not reported suspect information or reported an arrest.

Homicide: Police ID man found with gunshot wound in KC street

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a wanted Kansas felon on multiple new allegations after a chase and arrest.

Just before 7:30p.m. July 13, deputies with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office were driving in the area of NW Topeka Boulevard and NW Lyman Road when they observed a known individual with a warrant for his arrest, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

 The individual, identified as 35-year-old Anthony A. Bayless, attempted to run from the deputies. The deputies quickly caught up and took him into custody.

During the investigation, deputies found illegal narcotics. Bayless of Topeka was&nbsp; booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body,&nbsp;Interference with law enforcement and a Topeka bench warrants for his arrest.&nbsp; He has previous convictions for burglary and criminal damage to property, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752597899023.png" alt="Bayless has previous convictions for burglary and criminal damage to property, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Bayless has previous convictions for burglary and criminal damage to property, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a wanted Kansas felon on multiple new allegations after a chase and arrest.Just before 7:30p.m. July 13, deputies with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office were driving in the area of NW Topeka Boulevard and NW Lyman Road when they observed a known individual with a warrant for his arrest, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. The individual, identified as 35-year-old Anthony A. Bayless, attempted to run from the deputies. The deputies quickly caught up and took him into custody.During the investigation, deputies found illegal narcotics. Bayless of Topeka was&nbsp; booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body,&nbsp;Interference with law enforcement and a Topeka bench warrants for his arrest.&nbsp; He has previous convictions for burglary and criminal damage to property, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Wanted Kansas felon captured after running from arrest

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752592033392.jpeg" alt="Eleanor Fisher, Criminal trespass; Disorderly conduct, arrested 07/14" />
 <figcaption>Eleanor Fisher, Criminal trespass; Disorderly conduct, arrested 07/14</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752592079200.jpeg" alt="Julia Burlingame, Domestic battery, arrested 07/15" />
 <figcaption>Julia Burlingame, Domestic battery, arrested 07/15</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752592110032.jpeg" alt="Mario Villegas, Criminal damage to property; Theft &lt; $1,500 pocket picking; Aggravated battery, arrested 07/15" />
 <figcaption>Mario Villegas, Criminal damage to property; Theft &lt; $1,500 pocket picking; Aggravated battery, arrested 07/15</figcaption>
 </figure>Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.Joandry Delpino, Assault, arrested 07/14Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.

Geary County Booking Photos July 15

FINNEY COUNTY—The Garden City Police Department issued an alert Monday to notify the public they are aware of recent social media posts raising concerns and suggesting child abductions or attempted abductions linked to human trafficking in Garden City and southwest Kansas. 

"While human trafficking remains a serious concern that warrants vigilance, we have not received any legitimate reports of these incidents occurring locally nor have any arrests been made in connection with these claims."

"Furthermore, these posts appear to be resurfaced or have circulated before. As always, if you have a concern about any suspicious activity occurring in Garden City, please call police at (620) 276-1300 or 911 if it is an emergency."

Please do not report suspected crimes through social media or share posts about crimes that may cause fear and panic without verifying the validity of the post first. Let’s continue to look out for one another, and stay safe and vigilant.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752524999386.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY—The Garden City Police Department issued an alert Monday to notify the public they are aware of recent social media posts raising concerns and suggesting child abductions or attempted abductions linked to human trafficking in Garden City and southwest Kansas. "While human trafficking remains a serious concern that warrants vigilance, we have not received any legitimate reports of these incidents occurring locally nor have any arrests been made in connection with these claims." "Furthermore, these posts appear to be resurfaced or have circulated before. As always, if you have a concern about any suspicious activity occurring in Garden City, please call police at (620) 276-1300 or 911 if it is an emergency."Please do not report suspected crimes through social media or share posts about crimes that may cause fear and panic without verifying the validity of the post first. Let’s continue to look out for one another, and stay safe and vigilant.&nbsp;

Police: Social media posts on human trafficking in SW Kan. are false

A 23-year-old Hutchinson man is facing a long list of charges after allegedly committing two armed robberies, leading officers on a pursuit, and barricading himself inside an occupied home Sunday evening.

According to the Hutchinson Police Department, officers were dispatched around 7:19 p.m. on July 13 to a business in the 500 block of East 17th Avenue for an armed robbery. By the time officers arrived, the suspect had already fled. Officers and deputies with the Reno County Sheriff’s Office began searching the area.

Just over 20 minutes later, at about 7:41 p.m., police were called to a second armed robbery at a business in the 400 block of East 4th Avenue. Investigators say the suspect description matched the first incident.

At approximately 7:52 p.m., officers located the suspect vehicle near 17th Avenue and Plum Street. When a deputy attempted a traffic stop, the driver refused to pull over, leading to a pursuit that ended when the suspect crashed into a residence in the 400 block of East 18th Avenue. The suspect then fled into an occupied home but was quickly taken into custody.

Police say the vehicle used in the robberies was reported stolen earlier that day from the 1600 block of Center Street.

Malachi J. Sims, 23, was arrested and booked into the Reno County Correctional Facility. He faces numerous charges:• Aggravated Robbery; Dangerous Weapon (2 counts)• Criminal Possession of a Firearm by a Felon (2 counts)• Theft; Property or Services; Less than $1,500 (2 counts)• Theft; Motor Vehicle: $1,500 to $24,999• Aggravated Assault of LEO; with Deadly Weapon• Aggravated Battery on LEO; Physical Contact with County Officer• Aggravated Battery on LEO; Physical Contact with City Officer• Aggravated Burglary; Dwelling for Felony, Flee and Elude; Commission of Felony• Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose; Felony Case•Interference with Law Enforcement; Conceal/Alter/Destroy Evidence• Felony Criminal Damage to Property; &gt;$25,000• DUI; 2nd Conviction• Possession of Marijuana• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia• MVA; Failure to Report an Accident, Leave the Scene of an Accident• Ignition Interlock; Operate Without• Alcohol; Illegal Transportation• Possession of Opiates, Narcotics, or Certain Stimulants; 1 prior conviction

No injuries were reported during the incidents.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752544193285.jpeg" alt="Malachi J. Sims-photo Reno County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Malachi J. Sims-photo Reno County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>MARC JACOBS Hutch Post&nbsp;A 23-year-old Hutchinson man is facing a long list of charges after allegedly committing two armed robberies, leading officers on a pursuit, and barricading himself inside an occupied home Sunday evening.According to the Hutchinson Police Department, officers were dispatched around 7:19 p.m. on July 13 to a business in the 500 block of East 17th Avenue for an armed robbery. By the time officers arrived, the suspect had already fled. Officers and deputies with the Reno County Sheriff’s Office began searching the area.Just over 20 minutes later, at about 7:41 p.m., police were called to a second armed robbery at a business in the 400 block of East 4th Avenue. Investigators say the suspect description matched the first incident.At approximately 7:52 p.m., officers located the suspect vehicle near 17th Avenue and Plum Street. When a deputy attempted a traffic stop, the driver refused to pull over, leading to a pursuit that ended when the suspect crashed into a residence in the 400 block of East 18th Avenue. The suspect then fled into an occupied home but was quickly taken into custody.Police say the vehicle used in the robberies was reported stolen earlier that day from the 1600 block of Center Street.Malachi J. Sims, 23, was arrested and booked into the Reno County Correctional Facility. He faces numerous charges:• Aggravated Robbery; Dangerous Weapon (2 counts)• Criminal Possession of a Firearm by a Felon (2 counts)• Theft; Property or Services; Less than $1,500 (2 counts)• Theft; Motor Vehicle: $1,500 to $24,999• Aggravated Assault of LEO; with Deadly Weapon• Aggravated Battery on LEO; Physical Contact with County Officer• Aggravated Battery on LEO; Physical Contact with City Officer• Aggravated Burglary; Dwelling for Felony, Flee and Elude; Commission of Felony• Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose; Felony Case•Interference with Law Enforcement; Conceal/Alter/Destroy Evidence• Felony Criminal Damage to Property; &gt;$25,000• DUI; 2nd Conviction• Possession of Marijuana• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia• MVA; Failure to Report an Accident, Leave the Scene of an Accident• Ignition Interlock; Operate Without• Alcohol; Illegal Transportation• Possession of Opiates, Narcotics, or Certain Stimulants; 1 prior convictionNo injuries were reported during the incidents.

Kansas armed robbery suspect captured after chase, crash

JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.

Just after 11:30p.m. July 10,&nbsp; a&nbsp;Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a 2009 Lexus for multiple alleged traffic violations near U.S. 75 Highway and 214th Road in rural Jackson County, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

The driver of the vehicle was identified as Jermaine Hinnant, 54, and passenger as&nbsp;Viola Praylow, 58, both of Topeka.

During the course of the traffic stop probable cause was established to search the vehicle, which resulted in the discovery of illegal drugs, and narcotics.

Viola Praylow was booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of felony interference with law enforcement, possession of crack/cocaine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia and transporting an open container.

Viola Praylow was also arrested for two felony warrants. One through Shawnee County, Kansas for probation violation with the original charge being theft; 2 prior convictions in 5 years. One through Douglas County, Kansas for theft, and contributing to a child misconduct; encourage to commit traffic infraction.

Jermaine Hinnant was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of driving under the influence of alcohol, no ignition interlock device when required, driving while suspended, driving with expired registration, operate motor vehicle with no insurance, possession of a hallucinogenic drug and possession of drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752504476865.png" alt="Hinnant photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Hinnant photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.Just after 11:30p.m. July 10,&nbsp; a&nbsp;Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a 2009 Lexus for multiple alleged traffic violations near U.S. 75 Highway and 214th Road in rural Jackson County, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.The driver of the vehicle was identified as Jermaine Hinnant, 54, and passenger as&nbsp;Viola Praylow, 58, both of Topeka.During the course of the traffic stop probable cause was established to search the vehicle, which resulted in the discovery of illegal drugs, and narcotics.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752504404683.png" alt="Praylow photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Praylow photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Viola Praylow was booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of felony interference with law enforcement, possession of crack/cocaine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia and transporting an open container.Viola Praylow was also arrested for two felony warrants. One through Shawnee County, Kansas for probation violation with the original charge being theft; 2 prior convictions in 5 years. One through Douglas County, Kansas for theft, and contributing to a child misconduct; encourage to commit traffic infraction.Jermaine Hinnant was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of driving under the influence of alcohol, no ignition interlock device when required, driving while suspended, driving with expired registration, operate motor vehicle with no insurance, possession of a hallucinogenic drug and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Kansas woman with a history crime accused of theft, cocaine possession

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

A recently announced candidate for Hays City Commission was arrested on a charge of alleged blackmail Friday.

According to district court records, 23-year-old Samuel Emerson Allen of Hays allegedly tried to obtain $50 by threatening to share nude photos or videos of someone obtained through a dating app on June 27.

Blackmail is a level 4 person felony in Kansas. Public records said the court ordered Allen’s arrest with an appearance bond set at $40,000.

Ellis County booking records show Allen was booked for failure to appear. Ellis County Attorney Aaron J. Cunningham was contacted but declined to comment.

Allen announced his candidacy for the Hays City Commission in the 2025 municipal election on June 23 and is completing his degree in political science at Fort Hays State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750345202754.jpeg" alt="Samuel Allen courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Samuel Allen courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostA recently announced candidate for Hays City Commission was arrested on a charge of alleged blackmail Friday.According to district court records, 23-year-old Samuel Emerson Allen of Hays allegedly tried to obtain $50 by threatening to share nude photos or videos of someone obtained through a dating app on June 27.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752585035279.png" alt="Allen as shown in his Ellis County Jail booking photo" />
 <figcaption>Allen as shown in his Ellis County Jail booking photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Blackmail is a level 4 person felony in Kansas. Public records said the court ordered Allen’s arrest with an appearance bond set at $40,000.Ellis County booking records show Allen was booked for failure to appear. Ellis County Attorney Aaron J. Cunningham was contacted but declined to comment.Allen announced his candidacy for the Hays City Commission in the 2025 municipal election on June 23 and is completing his degree in political science at Fort Hays State University.

Hays Commission candidate arrested for alleged blackmail

Ricky Hinote, Failure to appear, arrested 07/11

Toriano Thomas, Failure to appear, arrested 07/11

Jasmine Huezo, Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, arrested 07/12

Joseph Yoakem, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of controlled substance; Vehicles, Operate a vehicle without registration or with expired tag, arrested 07/12

Chrystal Osbourne, Domestic battery, arrested 07/12

Samantha Cahill, Failure to appear, arrested 07/12

Aamiyah Peters,&nbsp;Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, arrested 07/12

Jonavan Walker, Failure to appear, arrested 07/13

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752532022020.jpeg" alt="Talon Waehner,&nbsp;Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of stimulant;&nbsp; Traffic contraband into correctional facility; Failure to appear, arrested 07/11" />
 <figcaption>Talon Waehner,&nbsp;Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of stimulant;&nbsp; Traffic contraband into correctional facility; Failure to appear, arrested 07/11</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752532102614.jpeg" alt="Quinten Williams, Failure to appear, arrested 07/12" />
 <figcaption>Quinten Williams, Failure to appear, arrested 07/12</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752532113272.jpeg" alt="Laranzo Jones, Aggravated domestic battery, choke in rude manner, family member/dating relationship; Aggravated battery, knowingly use physical contact in angry/rude manner with weapon, arrested 07/13" />
 <figcaption>Laranzo Jones, Aggravated domestic battery, choke in rude manner, family member/dating relationship; Aggravated battery, knowingly use physical contact in angry/rude manner with weapon, arrested 07/13</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752532238488.jpeg" alt="Fred Morgan Jr., Aggravated battery, Recklessly cause great bodily harm/disfigurement, arrested 07/13" />
 <figcaption>Fred Morgan Jr., Aggravated battery, Recklessly cause great bodily harm/disfigurement, arrested 07/13</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752532249225.jpeg" alt="Cherie Becker, Domestic battery, arrested 07/14" />
 <figcaption>Cherie Becker, Domestic battery, arrested 07/14</figcaption>
 </figure>Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.Ricky Hinote, Failure to appear, arrested 07/11Toriano Thomas, Failure to appear, arrested 07/11Jasmine Huezo, Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, arrested 07/12Joseph Yoakem, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of controlled substance; Vehicles, Operate a vehicle without registration or with expired tag, arrested 07/12Chrystal Osbourne, Domestic battery, arrested 07/12Samantha Cahill, Failure to appear, arrested 07/12Aamiyah Peters,&nbsp;Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, arrested 07/12Jonavan Walker, Failure to appear, arrested 07/13Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.

Geary County Booking Photos July 12-14

MORGAN COUNTY, Mo. —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after weekend boat chase on Lake of the Ozarks.

Just before 8:30p.m. Saturday,&nbsp;Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop F was advised of an alleged domestic assault involving a man, later identified as 39-year-old Loren M. Peters of Sunrise Beach throwing a woman off a vessel in Davey Hollow Cove at Lake of the Ozarks, according to a media release from the MSHP.

Troopers observed the suspect vessel, an orange 2023 Hayaari Marine H44Z at the 10 mile mark of the main channel. As troopers began to conduct a boat stop, the Hayaari accelerated quickly and attempted to leave the area. This led to a vessel pursuit.

The pursuit ended with the Hayaari entered Mill Creek Cove. The operator, Peters, abandoned the vessel at a dock near Walleye Drive and ran. Troopers took Peters into custody a short time later. He was arrested on requested charges of BWI alcohol, resist or interfere with arrest, operating a boat in a careless manner and fourth-degree domestic assault.

MORGAN COUNTY, Mo. —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after weekend boat chase on Lake of the Ozarks.Just before 8:30p.m. Saturday,&nbsp;Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop F was advised of an alleged domestic assault involving a man, later identified as 39-year-old Loren M. Peters of Sunrise Beach throwing a woman off a vessel in Davey Hollow Cove at Lake of the Ozarks, according to a media release from the MSHP.Troopers observed the suspect vessel, an orange 2023 Hayaari Marine H44Z at the 10 mile mark of the main channel. As troopers began to conduct a boat stop, the Hayaari accelerated quickly and attempted to leave the area. This led to a vessel pursuit.The pursuit ended with the Hayaari entered Mill Creek Cove. The operator, Peters, abandoned the vessel at a dock near Walleye Drive and ran. Troopers took Peters into custody a short time later. He was arrested on requested charges of BWI alcohol, resist or interfere with arrest, operating a boat in a careless manner and fourth-degree domestic assault.

Patrol: Man jailed after throwing woman from boat at Lake of the Ozarks

KANSAS CITY—Two brothers are in custody and facing charges after a shooting during a a Facebook Marketplace truck sale at a Kansas City apartment parking lot.

According to court records, on July 9, 35-year-old Clarence Melbert and 31-year-old Aaron Melbert allegedly arranged to sell a black Ford F-150.&nbsp;&nbsp;

When a buyer arrived at the location with $2,500 in cash, Clarence pointed a gun and ordered the buyer out of the truck, while Aaron threatened him with a knife, according to police.

As the victim tried to leave, he was shot from behind in the ear and arm.

The victim’s wife, who witnessed the attack, fired her own gun in self-defense as the suspects fled. She helped police identify both suspects. Officers found the brothers nearby and arrested them without incident.

&nbsp;Clarence had a gunshot wound to his arm. Police recovered firearms, shell casings and a knife from the scene.

Aaron is being held on requested charges of&nbsp;Warrant: New Case warrant issued by Jackson, MO; Bond - Cash Only, $100000.00.

Clarence is being held on requested charges that include Warrant: Failure to Appear warrant ; Bond - 10% OR Secured, $5600.00;Warrant: New Case warrant ; Bond - Cash Only, $100000.00;Warrant: Failure to Appear warrant ; Bond - ROR, $2500.00;Warrant: Failure to Appear warrant ; Bond - ROR, $50.00;Warrant: Failure to Appear warrant ; Bond - ROR, $2000.00;Warrant: Failure to Appear warrant ; Bond - ROR, $2000.00;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752501119626.png" alt="Aaron Melbert photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Aaron Melbert photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Two brothers are in custody and facing charges after a shooting during a a Facebook Marketplace truck sale at a Kansas City apartment parking lot.According to court records, on July 9, 35-year-old Clarence Melbert and 31-year-old Aaron Melbert allegedly arranged to sell a black Ford F-150.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752501049562.png" alt="Clarence Melbert photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Clarence Melbert photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>When a buyer arrived at the location with $2,500 in cash, Clarence pointed a gun and ordered the buyer out of the truck, while Aaron threatened him with a knife, according to police.As the victim tried to leave, he was shot from behind in the ear and arm.The victim’s wife, who witnessed the attack, fired her own gun in self-defense as the suspects fled. She helped police identify both suspects. Officers found the brothers nearby and arrested them without incident.&nbsp;Clarence had a gunshot wound to his arm. Police recovered firearms, shell casings and a knife from the scene.Aaron is being held on requested charges of&nbsp;Warrant: New Case warrant issued by Jackson, MO; Bond - Cash Only, $100000.00.Clarence is being held on requested charges that include Warrant: Failure to Appear warrant ; Bond - 10% OR Secured, $5600.00;Warrant: New Case warrant ; Bond - Cash Only, $100000.00;Warrant: Failure to Appear warrant ; Bond - ROR, $2500.00;Warrant: Failure to Appear warrant ; Bond - ROR, $50.00;Warrant: Failure to Appear warrant ; Bond - ROR, $2000.00;Warrant: Failure to Appear warrant ; Bond - ROR, $2000.00;

Brothers jailed after Facebook Marketplace truck sale shooting

FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after an investigation in southwest Kansas.

On July 9, the Finney County Sheriff’s Office / Garden City Police Department Joint Drug Task Force served a search warrant of an apartment located in the 1800 block of W. Kansas Ave in Garden City, KS. This search warrant stemmed from an investigation into the activities of one of the residents identified as 62-year-old Pedro Rodriguez.

The search of the residence resulted in the location and seizure of approximately 262.61 grams of suspected cocaine located in multiple bags, numerous items known to be associated with the distribution of illegal substances, and a significant amount of cash.

Rodriguez was arrested and is being held in the Finney County Jail on requested charges of Distribution of Opiates; 100 grams &lt; Kilogram, Aggravated Child Endangerment, No Drug Tax Stamp and Violate offender registration act.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752194633938.png" alt="Rodriguez-photo Finney County" />
 <figcaption>Rodriguez-photo Finney County</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after an investigation in southwest Kansas.On July 9, the Finney County Sheriff’s Office / Garden City Police Department Joint Drug Task Force served a search warrant of an apartment located in the 1800 block of W. Kansas Ave in Garden City, KS. This search warrant stemmed from an investigation into the activities of one of the residents identified as 62-year-old Pedro Rodriguez.The search of the residence resulted in the location and seizure of approximately 262.61 grams of suspected cocaine located in multiple bags, numerous items known to be associated with the distribution of illegal substances, and a significant amount of cash.Rodriguez was arrested and is being held in the Finney County Jail on requested charges of Distribution of Opiates; 100 grams &lt; Kilogram, Aggravated Child Endangerment, No Drug Tax Stamp and Violate offender registration act.

Police: SW Kansas man accused of selling cocaine

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — The lead prosecutor tasked with finding justice for four University of Idaho students killed in a grisly quadruple stabbing more than two years ago laid out his key evidence last week at a court hearing for Bryan Kohberger, who agreed to plead guilty to avoid the death penalty.

The evidentiary summary — recited by lead prosecutor Bill Thompson before Kohberger entered his pleas — spun a dramatic tale that included a DNA-laden Q-tip plucked from the garbage in the dead of the night, a getaway car stripped so clean of evidence that it was “essentially disassembled inside” and a fateful early-morning Door Dash order that may have put one of the victims in Kohberger’s path.

These details offered new insights into how the crime unfolded on Nov. 13, 2022, and how investigators ultimately solved the case using surveillance footage, cell phone tracking and DNA matching. But the synopsis leaves hanging key questions that could have been answered at trial — including a motive for the stabbings and why Kohberger picked that house, and those victims, all apparent strangers to him.

<a href="https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/23564673/122922-affidavit-exhibit-a-statement-of-brett-payne_redacted.pdf">Click here to read&nbsp;</a>the full&nbsp;unsealed affidavit, which explains the basis for Kohberger's arrest.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/moscow-idaho-boise-university-of-d0ed74d74bd11f3c58e5f78ea52a0b6c">The small farming community</a>&nbsp;of Moscow, in the northern Idaho panhandle, had not had a homicide in about five years when Kaylee Goncalves, Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle and Madison Mogen were found dead at a rental home near campus.

Kohberger, now 30, had begun a doctoral degree in criminal justice at nearby Washington State University — across the state line from Moscow, Idaho — months before the crimes.

“The defendant has studied crime,” Thompson said, as the victims’ family members dabbed at their tears. “In fact, he did a detailed paper on crime scene processing when he was working on his Ph.D., and he had that knowledge skillset.”

Kohberger’s cell phone began connecting with cell towers in the area of the crime more than four months before the stabbings, Thompson said, and pinged on those towers 23 times between the hours of 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. in that time period.

A compilation of surveillance videos from neighbors and businesses also placed Kohberger’s vehicle — known to investigators because of a routine traffic stop by police in August — in the area.

On the night of the killings, Kohberger parked behind the house and entered through a sliding door to the kitchen at the back of the house shortly after 4 a.m., Thompson said. He moved to the third floor, where Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves were sleeping.

After killing both of them with a knife, Kohberger left a knife sheath next to Mogen’s body. Both victims’ blood was later found on the sheath, along with DNA from a single male that ultimately helped investigators pinpoint Kohberger as the only suspect.

On the floor below, another student was still awake. Xana Kernodle had ordered Door Dash not long before, and as Kohberger was leaving, he crossed paths with her and killed her with a large knife, Thompson said. He then killed her boyfriend, Ethan Chapin, who was sleeping in Kernodle’s bedroom.

Kohberger left two others in the house alive, including one roommate who was expected to testify at trial that sometime before 4:19 a.m. she saw an intruder there with “bushy eyebrows,” wearing black clothing and a ski mask.

Roughly five minutes later, the car could be seen on the next-door neighbor’s surveillance camera. speeding away so fast “the car almost loses control as it makes the corner,” Thompson said.

After Kohberger fled the scene, Thompson said, his cover-up was elaborate.

Prosecutors believe he drove backroads to his apartment in Pullman, Washington, to avoid surveillance cameras on the major roads and didn’t turn his cell phone back on until 4:48 a.m. By 5:26 a.m., he was back in Pullman, Thompson said.

Later, Kohberger changed his car registration from Pennsylvania to Washington State — significant for investigators who were combing through surveillance camera footage because Pennsylvania law doesn’t require a front license plate, making it harder to identify the vehicle.

And by the time investigators did catch up with him weeks later, his apartment and office in nearby Pullman were scrubbed clean.

“Spartan would be a kind characterization. There was nothing there, nothing of evidentiary value was found,” Thompson said of Kohberger’s apartment.

The car, too, “had been essentially disassembled inside,” he added. “It was spotless. The defendant’s car had been meticulously cleaned inside.”

Investigators had honed in on Kohberger, but they needed to prove he was their suspect.

With the DNA of a single mystery male on the knife sheath, they worked with the FBI and the local sanitation department to secretly retrieve garbage from the Pennsylvania home of Kohberger’s parents, seeking a DNA match to their suspect.

“They conducted what’s called a trash pull during the nighttime hours,” Thompson said, and “took trash that had been set out on the street for collection” and sent it to Idaho’s forensics lab.

The pile of garbage yielded investigative gold: A Q-tip that contained DNA identified “as coming from the father of the person whose DNA was found on the knife sheath that was found by Madison Mogen’s body on the bed,” he said.

With that, Kohberger was arrested at his parents’ home in Pennsylvania, where he had gone for the holidays, and ultimately was extradited to Idaho for prosecution.

Even while prosecutors detailed that night, a key question remains: Why did Kohberger target that house and those victims? Did he know them? And what was his motive?

“We do not have evidence that the defendant had direct contact with 1122 or with residents in 1122, but we can put his phone in the area on those times,” Thompson said, referring to the house number where the murders took place.

Some of that evidence may have come out at trial, and may yet be contained in documents related to the case that have been sealed by the court until after a July 23 sentencing hearing. A gag order in place for all attorneys in the case is still in effect as well.

Those documents include witness lists, a list of exhibits, an analysis of the evidence, requests for additional discovery, filings about mitigating factors and various unsuccessful defense motions that sought to introduce alternative suspects, among other things.

The families of the victims are split over the plea deal

With the case solved, families remain divided over its resolution.

The deal stipulates that Kohberger will be spared execution in exchange for four consecutive life sentences. He also waived his right to appeal and to challenge the sentence.

Chapin’s and Mogen’s families support the deal.

“We now embark on a new path. We embark on a path of hope and healing,” Mogen’s family said in a statement.

The family of Kaylee Goncalves publicly denounced the plea deal ahead of Wednesday’s hearing and her father refused to attend the proceedings.

Goncalves 18-year-old sister, Aubrie Goncalves, said in a Facebook post that “Bryan Kohberger facing a life in prison means he would still get to speak, form relationships, and engage with the world.”

“Meanwhile, our loved ones have been silenced forever,” she wrote.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751459170755.png" alt="Kohberger photo Ada Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Kohberger photo Ada Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>BOISE, Idaho (AP) — The lead prosecutor tasked with finding justice for four University of Idaho students killed in a grisly quadruple stabbing more than two years ago laid out his key evidence last week at a court hearing for Bryan Kohberger, who agreed to plead guilty to avoid the death penalty.The evidentiary summary — recited by lead prosecutor Bill Thompson before Kohberger entered his pleas — spun a dramatic tale that included a DNA-laden Q-tip plucked from the garbage in the dead of the night, a getaway car stripped so clean of evidence that it was “essentially disassembled inside” and a fateful early-morning Door Dash order that may have put one of the victims in Kohberger’s path.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751479520041.png" alt="From top left, Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle." />
 <figcaption>From top left, Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle.</figcaption>
 </figure>These details offered new insights into how the crime unfolded on Nov. 13, 2022, and how investigators ultimately solved the case using surveillance footage, cell phone tracking and DNA matching. But the synopsis leaves hanging key questions that could have been answered at trial — including a motive for the stabbings and why Kohberger picked that house, and those victims, all apparent strangers to him.<a href="https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/23564673/122922-affidavit-exhibit-a-statement-of-brett-payne_redacted.pdf">Click here to read&nbsp;</a>the full&nbsp;unsealed affidavit, which explains the basis for Kohberger's arrest.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/moscow-idaho-boise-university-of-d0ed74d74bd11f3c58e5f78ea52a0b6c">The small farming community</a>&nbsp;of Moscow, in the northern Idaho panhandle, had not had a homicide in about five years when Kaylee Goncalves, Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle and Madison Mogen were found dead at a rental home near campus.Kohberger, now 30, had begun a doctoral degree in criminal justice at nearby Washington State University — across the state line from Moscow, Idaho — months before the crimes.“The defendant has studied crime,” Thompson said, as the victims’ family members dabbed at their tears. “In fact, he did a detailed paper on crime scene processing when he was working on his Ph.D., and he had that knowledge skillset.”<h2>What we learned from the hearing</h2>Kohberger’s cell phone began connecting with cell towers in the area of the crime more than four months before the stabbings, Thompson said, and pinged on those towers 23 times between the hours of 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. in that time period.A compilation of surveillance videos from neighbors and businesses also placed Kohberger’s vehicle — known to investigators because of a routine traffic stop by police in August — in the area.On the night of the killings, Kohberger parked behind the house and entered through a sliding door to the kitchen at the back of the house shortly after 4 a.m., Thompson said. He moved to the third floor, where Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves were sleeping.After killing both of them with a knife, Kohberger left a knife sheath next to Mogen’s body. Both victims’ blood was later found on the sheath, along with DNA from a single male that ultimately helped investigators pinpoint Kohberger as the only suspect.On the floor below, another student was still awake. Xana Kernodle had ordered Door Dash not long before, and as Kohberger was leaving, he crossed paths with her and killed her with a large knife, Thompson said. He then killed her boyfriend, Ethan Chapin, who was sleeping in Kernodle’s bedroom.Kohberger left two others in the house alive, including one roommate who was expected to testify at trial that sometime before 4:19 a.m. she saw an intruder there with “bushy eyebrows,” wearing black clothing and a ski mask.Roughly five minutes later, the car could be seen on the next-door neighbor’s surveillance camera. speeding away so fast “the car almost loses control as it makes the corner,” Thompson said.<h2>What did Kohberger do next?</h2>After Kohberger fled the scene, Thompson said, his cover-up was elaborate.Prosecutors believe he drove backroads to his apartment in Pullman, Washington, to avoid surveillance cameras on the major roads and didn’t turn his cell phone back on until 4:48 a.m. By 5:26 a.m., he was back in Pullman, Thompson said.Later, Kohberger changed his car registration from Pennsylvania to Washington State — significant for investigators who were combing through surveillance camera footage because Pennsylvania law doesn’t require a front license plate, making it harder to identify the vehicle.And by the time investigators did catch up with him weeks later, his apartment and office in nearby Pullman were scrubbed clean.“Spartan would be a kind characterization. There was nothing there, nothing of evidentiary value was found,” Thompson said of Kohberger’s apartment.The car, too, “had been essentially disassembled inside,” he added. “It was spotless. The defendant’s car had been meticulously cleaned inside.”<h2>The Q-tip that broke the case</h2>Investigators had honed in on Kohberger, but they needed to prove he was their suspect.With the DNA of a single mystery male on the knife sheath, they worked with the FBI and the local sanitation department to secretly retrieve garbage from the Pennsylvania home of Kohberger’s parents, seeking a DNA match to their suspect.“They conducted what’s called a trash pull during the nighttime hours,” Thompson said, and “took trash that had been set out on the street for collection” and sent it to Idaho’s forensics lab.The pile of garbage yielded investigative gold: A Q-tip that contained DNA identified “as coming from the father of the person whose DNA was found on the knife sheath that was found by Madison Mogen’s body on the bed,” he said.With that, Kohberger was arrested at his parents’ home in Pennsylvania, where he had gone for the holidays, and ultimately was extradited to Idaho for prosecution.<h2>The mysteries that remain</h2>Even while prosecutors detailed that night, a key question remains: Why did Kohberger target that house and those victims? Did he know them? And what was his motive?“We do not have evidence that the defendant had direct contact with 1122 or with residents in 1122, but we can put his phone in the area on those times,” Thompson said, referring to the house number where the murders took place.Some of that evidence may have come out at trial, and may yet be contained in documents related to the case that have been sealed by the court until after a July 23 sentencing hearing. A gag order in place for all attorneys in the case is still in effect as well.Those documents include witness lists, a list of exhibits, an analysis of the evidence, requests for additional discovery, filings about mitigating factors and various unsuccessful defense motions that sought to introduce alternative suspects, among other things.<h2>The families of the victims are split over the plea deal</h2>With the case solved, families remain divided over its resolution.The deal stipulates that Kohberger will be spared execution in exchange for four consecutive life sentences. He also waived his right to appeal and to challenge the sentence.Chapin’s and Mogen’s families support the deal.“We now embark on a new path. We embark on a path of hope and healing,” Mogen’s family said in a statement.The family of Kaylee Goncalves publicly denounced the plea deal ahead of Wednesday’s hearing and her father refused to attend the proceedings.Goncalves 18-year-old sister, Aubrie Goncalves, said in a Facebook post that “Bryan Kohberger facing a life in prison means he would still get to speak, form relationships, and engage with the world.”“Meanwhile, our loved ones have been silenced forever,” she wrote.

Q-tip and spotless car: Key evidence linking suspect to murders of 4 Idaho students

Court document outlines missed opportunities for DCF, district attorney to shield her

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — An attorney representing Mickel Cherry in the rape and murder of a 5-year-old Topeka girl asserted in a court document Friday that Kansas’ child welfare agency and the Shawnee County District Attorney’s Office missed opportunities to intervene and possibly save her life.

Cherry, a former Texas resident who entered a guilty plea last year to murder and sexual assault charges to avoid the death penalty, confessed to killing Zoey Felix in October 2023 at a tent encampment used by homeless people. Zoey was left in Cherry’s care by the girl’s father while he was at work.

Defense counsel Peter Conley, a state deputy capital defender, said in court documents that Felix’s welfare was investigated seven separate times by the Kansas Department for Children and Families in the year before her death. After a DUI charge against the girl’s mother, Conley said, DCF informed District Attorney Mike Kagay’s office that evidence indicated Felix’s mother engaged in abuse or neglect of the girl.

The district attorney eventually began child-in-need-of-care proceedings, but Felix died before the legal system advanced the case to a point where she could be placed in state custody and potentially placed in the foster care system. Instead of the promise of safety, Felix was strangled by Cherry, who had endured years of abuse from his mother before placed in the Texas foster care system from age 5 to 18.

Conley’s filing on behalf of the 27-year-old Cherry says his client had to bear ultimate responsibility for raping and killing Felix, but the case raised important issues.

“Kansas had multiple opportunities to protect her from the harm she endured,” Conley wrote in the court document. “While it is easy and tempting to place all the blame on Mickel Cherry, we must also confront a harder truth. The systems designed to protect children failed her. Not because they lacked authority, but because we have tolerated that failure. Our systems can save children. We must expect, and demand, that they do.”

He said Felix’s murder was “entirely avoidable” and that “multiple moments of intervention were present that could have saved her.”

A DCF spokesperson didn’t respond to a request for comment about the defense attorney’s court filing and the pending sentencing of Cherry.

The document outlining DCF’s involvement with Felix as well as Cherry’s own life experience in foster care was filed by Conley in preparation for sentencing at a Shawnee County District Court hearing scheduled to start Monday. Cherry pleaded guilty to first-degree felony murder and rape of a child in December.

Conley requested Cherry be ordered to serve two concurrent 25-year-to-life sentences in prison. In that were the result, Cherry wouldn’t be eligible for release until after serving a quarter century behind bars.

On behalf of the district attorney’s office, Kagay recommended two life sentences for the murder and rape to be served consecutively. That would create a minimum 50-year term in prison before consideration of parole.

If released from the Kansas Department of Corrections in the future, Cherry would be subject to civil commitment at a state psychiatric hospital under Kansas laws applied to sexually violent predators.

Conley’s supplement to the court record said it was an “open secret that those (former foster) children, abused and neglected, become the majority of defendants and victims in our legal system.” He said the Cherry case was a “trainwreck of childhood trauma and institutional indifference.”

He wrote that it was troubling a homeless and developmentally disabled Texan who spent much of his childhood in a foster care system that was ruled by the courts to be “constitutionally inadequate” and where “rape, abuse, psychotropic medication and instability were the norm” came to occupy a makeshift camp with Felix and her father.

He posed questions about how Felix, known to be chronically truant from preschool, found by police wandering Topeka streets, subject of multiple DCF investigations and on the district attorney’s radar, fell through the cracks of a system that could have removed her from unsafe living conditions.

In September 2022, Conley’s court document says, DCF received the first report concerning Felix residing with her mother, who was allegedly abusing drugs and the victim of domestic violence. DCF closed that case after the mother refused to participate in the state’s voluntary family preservation program. On a scale forecasting the “lasting safety” of a family, DCF gave Felix’s home environment a nine on the 10-point scale with 10 reflecting confidence the problems were no more serious than those of a typical family.

Less than two months later, Topeka police were called to help locate Felix at 2:42 a.m. She was found at a house a block away. Law enforcement officers returned the girl to her mother and reported to DCF the mother could be neglecting Felix.

A Topeka school contacted DCF in November 2022 to report Felix had missed 25 days of school during the fall part of the academic year. The document filed by Conley said it wasn’t clear if the school or DCF referred the truancy to the district attorney’s office.

On Nov. 18, 2022, DCF was informed Felix’s mother was arrested for DUI after a traffic accident in which Felix was sitting unbuckled in the front seat of the vehicle. Felix was placed in police protective custody until released to her father.

Despite four cases raising questions about Felix’s well-being, Conley’s filing said, DCF records didn’t indicate whether the state agency sought to confirm the father’s ability to care for Felix.

In May 2023, DCF received a report that indicated Felix’s father had been evicted from his home and the girl was back in the care of her mother, who had been released from jail on the DUI charge and placed on probation. At this point, in June 2023, DCF issued a finding of “lack of supervision” regarding Felix. That was apparently shared with the district attorney’s office, but child-in-need-of-care proceedings weren’t immediately initiated.

The district attorney subsequently launched that proceeding on Felix’s behalf to determine whether she was abused, neglected or otherwise unsafe. DCF continued to give a score of nine out of 10 on the “lasting safety” scale applied to Felix, the court document said.

DCF was again notified in August 2023 — two months before Felix’s death — that the girl was living with her mother in a house without running water. The report said the girl didn’t have shoes, was wearing the same clothes every day and was “outside around the neighborhood for hours at a time.”

“DCF sent an investigator to the house seven times in September, but no one was ever home. The case was closed,” Corley wrote in the court document.

In fact, he wrote, Felix was now relying on her father for parental care and was closer to falling victim to Cherry at the homeless camp.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696342029742.png" alt="Mickel Cherry-photo Shawnee County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Mickel Cherry-photo Shawnee County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Court document outlines missed opportunities for DCF, district attorney to shield her</h2>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — An attorney representing Mickel Cherry in the rape and murder of a 5-year-old Topeka girl asserted in a court document Friday that Kansas’ child welfare agency and the Shawnee County District Attorney’s Office missed opportunities to intervene and possibly save her life.Cherry, a former Texas resident who entered a guilty plea last year to murder and sexual assault charges to avoid the death penalty, confessed to killing Zoey Felix in October 2023 at a tent encampment used by homeless people. Zoey was left in Cherry’s care by the girl’s father while he was at work.Defense counsel Peter Conley, a state deputy capital defender, said in court documents that Felix’s welfare was investigated seven separate times by the Kansas Department for Children and Families in the year before her death. After a DUI charge against the girl’s mother, Conley said, DCF informed District Attorney Mike Kagay’s office that evidence indicated Felix’s mother engaged in abuse or neglect of the girl.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696600819324.png" alt="Zoey Felix -photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Zoey Felix -photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>The district attorney eventually began child-in-need-of-care proceedings, but Felix died before the legal system advanced the case to a point where she could be placed in state custody and potentially placed in the foster care system. Instead of the promise of safety, Felix was strangled by Cherry, who had endured years of abuse from his mother before placed in the Texas foster care system from age 5 to 18.Conley’s filing on behalf of the 27-year-old Cherry says his client had to bear ultimate responsibility for raping and killing Felix, but the case raised important issues.“Kansas had multiple opportunities to protect her from the harm she endured,” Conley wrote in the court document. “While it is easy and tempting to place all the blame on Mickel Cherry, we must also confront a harder truth. The systems designed to protect children failed her. Not because they lacked authority, but because we have tolerated that failure. Our systems can save children. We must expect, and demand, that they do.”He said Felix’s murder was “entirely avoidable” and that “multiple moments of intervention were present that could have saved her.”A DCF spokesperson didn’t respond to a request for comment about the defense attorney’s court filing and the pending sentencing of Cherry.<h2>Trainwreck of trauma</h2>The document outlining DCF’s involvement with Felix as well as Cherry’s own life experience in foster care was filed by Conley in preparation for sentencing at a Shawnee County District Court hearing scheduled to start Monday. Cherry pleaded guilty to first-degree felony murder and rape of a child in December.Conley requested Cherry be ordered to serve two concurrent 25-year-to-life sentences in prison. In that were the result, Cherry wouldn’t be eligible for release until after serving a quarter century behind bars.On behalf of the district attorney’s office, Kagay recommended two life sentences for the murder and rape to be served consecutively. That would create a minimum 50-year term in prison before consideration of parole.If released from the Kansas Department of Corrections in the future, Cherry would be subject to civil commitment at a state psychiatric hospital under Kansas laws applied to sexually violent predators.Conley’s supplement to the court record said it was an “open secret that those (former foster) children, abused and neglected, become the majority of defendants and victims in our legal system.” He said the Cherry case was a “trainwreck of childhood trauma and institutional indifference.”He wrote that it was troubling a homeless and developmentally disabled Texan who spent much of his childhood in a foster care system that was ruled by the courts to be “constitutionally inadequate” and where “rape, abuse, psychotropic medication and instability were the norm” came to occupy a makeshift camp with Felix and her father.He posed questions about how Felix, known to be chronically truant from preschool, found by police wandering Topeka streets, subject of multiple DCF investigations and on the district attorney’s radar, fell through the cracks of a system that could have removed her from unsafe living conditions.In September 2022, Conley’s court document says, DCF received the first report concerning Felix residing with her mother, who was allegedly abusing drugs and the victim of domestic violence. DCF closed that case after the mother refused to participate in the state’s voluntary family preservation program. On a scale forecasting the “lasting safety” of a family, DCF gave Felix’s home environment a nine on the 10-point scale with 10 reflecting confidence the problems were no more serious than those of a typical family.Less than two months later, Topeka police were called to help locate Felix at 2:42 a.m. She was found at a house a block away. Law enforcement officers returned the girl to her mother and reported to DCF the mother could be neglecting Felix.A Topeka school contacted DCF in November 2022 to report Felix had missed 25 days of school during the fall part of the academic year. The document filed by Conley said it wasn’t clear if the school or DCF referred the truancy to the district attorney’s office.On Nov. 18, 2022, DCF was informed Felix’s mother was arrested for DUI after a traffic accident in which Felix was sitting unbuckled in the front seat of the vehicle. Felix was placed in police protective custody until released to her father.<h2>‘Case was closed’</h2>Despite four cases raising questions about Felix’s well-being, Conley’s filing said, DCF records didn’t indicate whether the state agency sought to confirm the father’s ability to care for Felix.In May 2023, DCF received a report that indicated Felix’s father had been evicted from his home and the girl was back in the care of her mother, who had been released from jail on the DUI charge and placed on probation. At this point, in June 2023, DCF issued a finding of “lack of supervision” regarding Felix. That was apparently shared with the district attorney’s office, but child-in-need-of-care proceedings weren’t immediately initiated.The district attorney subsequently launched that proceeding on Felix’s behalf to determine whether she was abused, neglected or otherwise unsafe. DCF continued to give a score of nine out of 10 on the “lasting safety” scale applied to Felix, the court document said.DCF was again notified in August 2023 — two months before Felix’s death — that the girl was living with her mother in a house without running water. The report said the girl didn’t have shoes, was wearing the same clothes every day and was “outside around the neighborhood for hours at a time.”“DCF sent an investigator to the house seven times in September, but no one was ever home. The case was closed,” Corley wrote in the court document.In fact, he wrote, Felix was now relying on her father for parental care and was closer to falling victim to Cherry at the homeless camp.

Kan. defense attorney: State’s child protection system failed murdered 5-year-old girl

JACKSON COUNTY, Kan.—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations. Just before 7:30p.m. July 8, a Sheriff's Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a 2025 Chevy Malibu for a traffic infraction on 150th Road near Q. Road in rural Jackson County according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

 The investigation into the traffic stop led to the discovery of illegal drug contraband. 

Vonda Jewell Lacour , 63, of Carnegie, Oklahoma, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges that include possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug and possession of drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751988175040.png" alt="Lacour photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Lacour photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY, Kan.—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations. Just before 7:30p.m. July 8, a Sheriff's Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a 2025 Chevy Malibu for a traffic infraction on 150th Road near Q. Road in rural Jackson County according to Sheriff Tim Morse. The investigation into the traffic stop led to the discovery of illegal drug contraband. Vonda Jewell Lacour , 63, of Carnegie, Oklahoma, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges that include possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Oklahoma woman was transporting meth in Kansas

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas felon on new drug allegations after an encounter with a deputy sheriff.

Just after 8p.m. June 29,&nbsp; a sheriff's deputy made contact with a man in the 200 block of NE Norris Street in rural Shawnee County, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

During the encounter, it was discovered that the individual, identified as 37-year-old Daniel S. Brewer of Topeka had a warrant for his arrest. The deputy also found illegal narcotics.

The deputy arrested Brewer booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections (SNDOC) on the requested charges of Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant and Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body

Brewer had a parole violation hold for the Kansas Department of Corrections. He has previous convictions for burglary, theft and drugs according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751380706320.png" alt="Brewer photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Brewer photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas felon on new drug allegations after an encounter with a deputy sheriff.Just after 8p.m. June 29,&nbsp; a sheriff's deputy made contact with a man in the 200 block of NE Norris Street in rural Shawnee County, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.During the encounter, it was discovered that the individual, identified as 37-year-old Daniel S. Brewer of Topeka had a warrant for his arrest. The deputy also found illegal narcotics.The deputy arrested Brewer booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections (SNDOC) on the requested charges of Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant and Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human bodyBrewer had a parole violation hold for the Kansas Department of Corrections. He has previous convictions for burglary, theft and drugs according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

Wanted Kansas felon remains jailed after encounter with deputy

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations.&nbsp;

Just before 4a.m. July 9, a sheriff's deputy&nbsp;conducted a traffic stop on a bicyclist near NE Paramore Street and NE Quincy Street for a traffic violation, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. During the investigation, the individual initially gave a false name and date of birth. 

When notified that he had a warrant for his arrest, the man then gave his real name and date of birth, in which he also had a warrant for his arrest. Illegal narcotics were also located.

Geddy L. Barlow, 37, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Dept. of Corrections on requested charges of Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body and Interference with law enforcement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751971521153.png" alt="Barlow photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Barlow photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations.&nbsp;Just before 4a.m. July 9, a sheriff's deputy&nbsp;conducted a traffic stop on a bicyclist near NE Paramore Street and NE Quincy Street for a traffic violation, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. During the investigation, the individual initially gave a false name and date of birth. When notified that he had a warrant for his arrest, the man then gave his real name and date of birth, in which he also had a warrant for his arrest. Illegal narcotics were also located.Geddy L. Barlow, 37, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Dept. of Corrections on requested charges of Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body and Interference with law enforcement.

Kan. drug suspect on bicycle lied to deputy about his name

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A man injured in a fatal fight on July 4, made his first court appearance in the case Wednesday.

&nbsp;Eduardo Diaz-Yobal, 33, is charged with first-degree murder in&nbsp;the death of 43-year-old Cesar Gonzalez, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Early Friday, police responded to a report of an assault in the 3000 block of North Fairview in Wichita, according to a media release from Wichita Police. A caller reported witnessing a man attacking another man. The victim was later identified as 33-year-old Cesar Gonzalez of Wichita.&nbsp;

Before officers arrived, the suspect fled the scene. Officers found Gonzalez unresponsive in the parking lot. Sedgwick County EMS transported him to an area hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased at 1:54 a.m.

Officers located the suspect identified in Sedgwick County arrest records as&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/inmatesearch/Details.aspx?Id=254855">Eduardo Diaz-Yorbal, 33, Wichita,</a>&nbsp;in the 300 block of W. 29th Street and took him into custody without incident.

Diaz-Yorbal had injuries consistent with the altercation and was admitted to an area hospital for treatment, released and then booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on requested charges of first-degree murder and for a probation violation, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751715135638.png" alt="DIAZ-YOBAL-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>DIAZ-YOBAL-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A man injured in a fatal fight on July 4, made his first court appearance in the case Wednesday.&nbsp;Eduardo Diaz-Yobal, 33, is charged with first-degree murder in&nbsp;the death of 43-year-old Cesar Gonzalez, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Early Friday, police responded to a report of an assault in the 3000 block of North Fairview in Wichita, according to a media release from Wichita Police. A caller reported witnessing a man attacking another man. The victim was later identified as 33-year-old Cesar Gonzalez of Wichita.&nbsp;Before officers arrived, the suspect fled the scene. Officers found Gonzalez unresponsive in the parking lot. Sedgwick County EMS transported him to an area hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased at 1:54 a.m.Officers located the suspect identified in Sedgwick County arrest records as&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/inmatesearch/Details.aspx?Id=254855">Eduardo Diaz-Yorbal, 33, Wichita,</a>&nbsp;in the 300 block of W. 29th Street and took him into custody without incident.Diaz-Yorbal had injuries consistent with the altercation and was admitted to an area hospital for treatment, released and then booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on requested charges of first-degree murder and for a probation violation, according to online jail records.