ROOKS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect wanted on federal charges after a traffic stop in northwest Kansas.&nbsp;

Just after 10:30 p.m. May 6, police conducted a traffic stop on North Washington Street in Plainville, according to a social media report Wednesday.&nbsp; A K-9 officer and K-9 conducted a probable cause search of the vehicle.

They located Marijuana, THC Wax and drug Paraphernalia&nbsp; along with over $5,500 in cash.&nbsp; It was also discovered that the 69-year-old driver identified as William Dean Thompson had a federal warrant out of the state of Washington.

Officers arrested Thompson on requested charges that include drug possession with the intent to distribute and related drug charges. He is currently being held at the Rooks County Jail. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620824068994.jpeg" alt="Thompson photo Rooks County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Thompson photo Rooks County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>ROOKS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect wanted on federal charges after a traffic stop in northwest Kansas.&nbsp;Just after 10:30 p.m. May 6, police conducted a traffic stop on North Washington Street in Plainville, according to a social media report Wednesday.&nbsp; A K-9 officer and K-9 conducted a probable cause search of the vehicle.They located Marijuana, THC Wax and drug Paraphernalia&nbsp; along with over $5,500 in cash.&nbsp; It was also discovered that the 69-year-old driver identified as William Dean Thompson had a federal warrant out of the state of Washington.Officers arrested Thompson on requested charges that include drug possession with the intent to distribute and related drug charges. He is currently being held at the Rooks County Jail.

Man wanted on federal warrant captured in NW Kansas

SEDGWICK COUNTY— A suspect accused in the fatal shooting of a convenience store security guard made his first court appearance Tuesday.&nbsp;

Laroy West, 41 of Wichita, was charged with 2nd degree murder, four counts of aggravated assault, and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Just after 10p.m. May 5, police responded to report of a shooting near the QuikTrip convience store at Broadway and Murdoch in Wichita, according to Police Captain Jason Stephens.

At the scene, officers located 39-year-old Will Robinson, the Quick Trip security guard, in the alley across from the business with a gunshot wound to his upper body. 

EMS transported him to a local hospital where he died two days later, according to Officer Charley Davidson.

Investigators learned Robinson encountered West who was causing a disruption inside the store. He escorted the man from the store and ultimately to the edge of the property where the disturbance continued and West shot him.&nbsp;

Robinson had worked as a security guard at QuikTrip for about a year. Before that he was a Wichita police officer. He was a married father of two children. QuikTrip, in a statement, said it is “absolutely devastated and heartbroken by the tragic loss of Will.”

West remains jailed on a bond of $250,000. His next court date is May 20, according to the district attorney's office.&nbsp;

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A man who worked security at a QuikTrip store in Wichita has died, two days after being shot. Will Robinson was shot Wednesday night at the downtown store. Wichita Police say he died Friday. He was 39. A suspect Laroy West in custody in the shooting. Police say he has a long criminal record. 

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities&nbsp; investigating a shooting that critically injured a convenience store security guard have arrested 41-year-old Laroy West of Wichita.

Just after 10p.m. Wednesday police responded to report of a shooting near a convenience store at Broadway and Murdoch in Wichita, according to Police Captain Jason Stephens.

At the scene, officers located a 39-year-old man identified as the Quick Trip security guard in the alley across from the business with a gunshot wound to his upper body. EMS transported him to a local hospital where he remains in critical condition on Friday, according to Officer Charley Davidson.

The security guard encountered a man who was causing a disruption inside the store.&nbsp; He escorted the man from the store and ultimately to the edge of the property where the disturbance continued and the suspect shot the security guard.&nbsp;&nbsp;

There is no indication, the security guard brandished any weapons, according to Stephens.&nbsp; Due to his condition, the victim is unable to provide a statement

On Thursday evening, a Wichita Police Lieutenant was doing follow-up on the investigation and observed West in the area of 19th and Broadway.  West was contacted and arrested without incident.&nbsp;

He is being <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20070639">held on requested charges</a> of attempted 1st-degree murder and criminal possession of a firearm, according to Davidson.

The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.&nbsp;&nbsp;

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting involving a convenience store security guard.

At the scene, officers located a 39-year-old man in the alley across from the business with a gunshot wound to his upper body. EMS transported him to a local hospital where he remains in critical condition, according to Stephens.

Investigators have learned the victim was an armed security guard employed by Quick Trip. The victim encountered a man who was causing a disruption inside the store.&nbsp; He escorted the man from the store and ultimately to the edge of the property where the disturbance continued and the suspect shot the security guard.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620393217853.png" alt="West&nbsp; is being held on a bond of $250,000, according to the Sedgwick County District attorney." />
 <figcaption>West&nbsp; is being held on a bond of $250,000, according to the Sedgwick County District attorney.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY— A suspect accused in the fatal shooting of a convenience store security guard made his first court appearance Tuesday.&nbsp;Laroy West, 41 of Wichita, was charged with 2nd degree murder, four counts of aggravated assault, and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Just after 10p.m. May 5, police responded to report of a shooting near the QuikTrip convience store at Broadway and Murdoch in Wichita, according to Police Captain Jason Stephens.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620334492831.png" alt="Security camera image of shooting suspect Laroy West -Wichita PD" />
 <figcaption>Security camera image of shooting suspect Laroy West -Wichita PD</figcaption>
 </figure>At the scene, officers located 39-year-old Will Robinson, the Quick Trip security guard, in the alley across from the business with a gunshot wound to his upper body. EMS transported him to a local hospital where he died two days later, according to Officer Charley Davidson.Investigators learned Robinson encountered West who was causing a disruption inside the store. He escorted the man from the store and ultimately to the edge of the property where the disturbance continued and West shot him.&nbsp;Robinson had worked as a security guard at QuikTrip for about a year. Before that he was a Wichita police officer. He was a married father of two children. QuikTrip, in a statement, said it is “absolutely devastated and heartbroken by the tragic loss of Will.”West remains jailed on a bond of $250,000. His next court date is May 20, according to the district attorney's office.&nbsp;-----------WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A man who worked security at a QuikTrip store in Wichita has died, two days after being shot. Will Robinson was shot Wednesday night at the downtown store. Wichita Police say he died Friday. He was 39. A suspect Laroy West in custody in the shooting. Police say he has a long criminal record. Robinson had worked as a security guard at QuikTrip for about a year. Before that he was a Wichita police officer. He was a married father of two children. QuikTrip, in a statement, said it is “absolutely devastated and heartbroken by the tragic loss of Will.”--------SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities&nbsp; investigating a shooting that critically injured a convenience store security guard have arrested 41-year-old Laroy West of Wichita.Just after 10p.m. Wednesday police responded to report of a shooting near a convenience store at Broadway and Murdoch in Wichita, according to Police Captain Jason Stephens.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620393217853.png" alt="Laroy West has multiple previous felony convictions, according to police -Photo Sedgwick County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Laroy West has multiple previous felony convictions, according to police -Photo Sedgwick County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>At the scene, officers located a 39-year-old man identified as the Quick Trip security guard in the alley across from the business with a gunshot wound to his upper body. EMS transported him to a local hospital where he remains in critical condition on Friday, according to Officer Charley Davidson.The security guard encountered a man who was causing a disruption inside the store.&nbsp; He escorted the man from the store and ultimately to the edge of the property where the disturbance continued and the suspect shot the security guard.&nbsp;&nbsp;There is no indication, the security guard brandished any weapons, according to Stephens.&nbsp; Due to his condition, the victim is unable to provide a statementOn Thursday evening, a Wichita Police Lieutenant was doing follow-up on the investigation and observed West in the area of 19th and Broadway. West was contacted and arrested without incident.&nbsp;He is being <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20070639">held on requested charges</a> of attempted 1st-degree murder and criminal possession of a firearm, according to Davidson.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620334524153.png" alt="Security camera image of the shooting suspect -photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Security camera image of the shooting suspect -photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.&nbsp;&nbsp;---------SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting involving a convenience store security guard.Just after 10p.m. Wednesday police responded to report of a shooting near a convenience store at Broadway and Murdoch in Wichita, according to Police Captain Jason Stephens.At the scene, officers located a 39-year-old man in the alley across from the business with a gunshot wound to his upper body. EMS transported him to a local hospital where he remains in critical condition, according to Stephens.Investigators have learned the victim was an armed security guard employed by Quick Trip. The victim encountered a man who was causing a disruption inside the store.&nbsp; He escorted the man from the store and ultimately to the edge of the property where the disturbance continued and the suspect shot the security guard.&nbsp;&nbsp;There is no indication, the security guard brandished any weapons, according to Stephens.&nbsp; Due to his condition, the victim is unable to provide a statement

Suspect charged in deadly shooting of Kan. security guard 

SCOTT COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for an alleged privacy crime.

Just before midnight Sunday, the Scott City Police Department responded to an address in Scott City after the reporting party stated someone had been observed standing outside a woman’s window recording her, according to a social media report from police.

 An investigation began immediately and on Tuesday after the execution of a search warrant police arrested 20-year-old Jose Angel Rodriguez of Scott City, on a requested charge of felony breach of privacy. He is currently housed in the Scott County Jail.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620771372401.png" alt=" Rodriguez photo Scott County Jail" />
 <figcaption> Rodriguez photo Scott County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>SCOTT COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for an alleged privacy crime.Just before midnight Sunday, the Scott City Police Department responded to an address in Scott City after the reporting party stated someone had been observed standing outside a woman’s window recording her, according to a social media report from police. An investigation began immediately and on Tuesday after the execution of a search warrant police arrested 20-year-old Jose Angel Rodriguez of Scott City, on a requested charge of felony breach of privacy. He is currently housed in the Scott County Jail.

Peeping Tom accused of recording woman at Kan. home

SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman on multiple charges after a traffic stop.

Just after 10p.m. May 9, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on a 1999 Pontiac Bonneville in the 4500 block of SE 45th Street in Topeka, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

 During the stop and investigation deputies found illegal narcotics and arrested the driver identified as 63-year-old Ladora S. Benaka of Topeka.

Benaka was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of&nbsp; possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, transporting an open container of liquor and improper driving on a laned roadway.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620736547550.png" alt="Benaka photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Benaka photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman on multiple charges after a traffic stop.Just after 10p.m. May 9, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on a 1999 Pontiac Bonneville in the 4500 block of SE 45th Street in Topeka, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. During the stop and investigation deputies found illegal narcotics and arrested the driver identified as 63-year-old Ladora S. Benaka of Topeka.Benaka was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of&nbsp; possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, transporting an open container of liquor and improper driving on a laned roadway.

Sheriff: Kan. woman was transporting methamphetamine

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas sheriff’s deputy accused of alleged domestic violence is returning to work and no charges will be filed, according to the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Department spokesman Lt. Benjamin Blick.

On April 13, the Wichita Police Department arrested 31-year-od Deputy Tyler Brooks for alleged Aggravated Domestic Battery, Domestic Battery, Criminal Threat and Domestic Violence Criminal Damage to Property stemming from an incident involving an intimate partner of the deputy with whom he shares a residence.

The Wichita Police Department fully investigated this incident. The case was presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office as well as the City of Wichita Prosecutor’s Office. Both offices declined charges.&nbsp;

 Brooks returned to restricted duty pending the outcome of the internal investigation, which is being conducted by the Professional Standards Unit, according to Lt. Brooks.

While on Restricted Duty, deputies under investigation for a serious policy violation do not have contact with the public

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Sedgwick County sherif's deputy for alleged domestic violence.

On Tuesday, police arrested 31-year-old Tyler Brooks on requested charges of Aggravated Domestic Battery, Domestic Battery, Criminal Threat and Domestic Violence Criminal Damage to Property, according to a Lt. Benjamin Blick.&nbsp; He was booked into jail just before 2:30a.m. Wednesday, according to online jail records.&nbsp;

The requested charges stem from an incident involving an intimate partner of the deputy with whom he shares a residence.

&nbsp;Deputy Brooks has been employed by the Sheriff’s Office for 8 years.

In addition to the criminal case, the Professional Standards Unit of the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office is also conducting an investigation.

Following the arrest, Deputy Brooks was suspended without pay pending the outcome of the criminal and internal investigation, according to Blick. His initial bond was $25,000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618420882448.png" alt="Brooks photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Brooks photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas sheriff’s deputy accused of alleged domestic violence is returning to work and no charges will be filed, according to the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Department spokesman Lt. Benjamin Blick.On April 13, the Wichita Police Department arrested 31-year-od Deputy Tyler Brooks for alleged Aggravated Domestic Battery, Domestic Battery, Criminal Threat and Domestic Violence Criminal Damage to Property stemming from an incident involving an intimate partner of the deputy with whom he shares a residence.The Wichita Police Department fully investigated this incident. The case was presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office as well as the City of Wichita Prosecutor’s Office. Both offices declined charges.&nbsp; Brooks returned to restricted duty pending the outcome of the internal investigation, which is being conducted by the Professional Standards Unit, according to Lt. Brooks.While on Restricted Duty, deputies under investigation for a serious policy violation do not have contact with the public---------------SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Sedgwick County sherif's deputy for alleged domestic violence.On Tuesday, police arrested 31-year-old Tyler Brooks on requested charges of Aggravated Domestic Battery, Domestic Battery, Criminal Threat and Domestic Violence Criminal Damage to Property, according to a Lt. Benjamin Blick.&nbsp; He was booked into jail just before 2:30a.m. Wednesday, according to online jail records.&nbsp;The requested charges stem from an incident involving an intimate partner of the deputy with whom he shares a residence.&nbsp;Deputy Brooks has been employed by the Sheriff’s Office for 8 years.In addition to the criminal case, the Professional Standards Unit of the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office is also conducting an investigation.Following the arrest, Deputy Brooks was suspended without pay pending the outcome of the criminal and internal investigation, according to Blick. His initial bond was $25,000.

No charges against Kan. deputy for domestic abuse

COWLEY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating recent rash of vehicle burglaries and thefts in southern Kansas and have arrested a suspect.

The theft investigation began when an Arkansas City resident reported their vehicle as stolen May 6, according to a media release from police.&nbsp; With the assistance of OnStar, the vehicle was disabled, located and recovered.

While that vehicle was being recovered, several other citizens began to discover they also had been the victim of burglaries involving their unlocked vehicles. Efforts apparently were made in many of these incidents to steal the vehicles and damage to their steering columns was present.

Additionally, another vehicle was stolen, wrecked and left abandoned a couple blocks away from where it had been taken. 

The suspect later identified as Jonathan Eugene Jester, 34, of Wichita, then entered a vacant residence.

Also on May 6, police located a vehicle stolen from Sumner County&nbsp; behind a&nbsp; hotel in Arkansas City.

The same suspect responsible for that particular vehicle theft also are thought to be responsible for rash of break-ins that occurred May 5, in Sumner County. 

On May 7, police located Jester and had to chase him down. During that pursuit, Jester allegedly threw away a firearm and backpack, which were recovered later.

Jester was brought back to the Arkansas City Police Department and questioned about the recent crimes. He remains jailed on requested charges that include four felony counts of burglary of a motor vehicle, as well as one felony count each of criminal possession of a firearm by a felon, interference with a law enforcement officer, possession of stolen property, and theft of a motor vehicle. He also was arrested on suspicion of four misdemeanor counts of theft and one misdemeanor count of criminal trespass. Police are still seeking addition suspects in the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620665147642.png" alt="Jester photo Cowley County" />
 <figcaption>Jester photo Cowley County</figcaption>
 </figure>COWLEY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating recent rash of vehicle burglaries and thefts in southern Kansas and have arrested a suspect.The theft investigation began when an Arkansas City resident reported their vehicle as stolen May 6, according to a media release from police.&nbsp; With the assistance of OnStar, the vehicle was disabled, located and recovered.While that vehicle was being recovered, several other citizens began to discover they also had been the victim of burglaries involving their unlocked vehicles. Efforts apparently were made in many of these incidents to steal the vehicles and damage to their steering columns was present.Additionally, another vehicle was stolen, wrecked and left abandoned a couple blocks away from where it had been taken. The suspect later identified as Jonathan Eugene Jester, 34, of Wichita, then entered a vacant residence.Also on May 6, police located a vehicle stolen from Sumner County&nbsp; behind a&nbsp; hotel in Arkansas City.The same suspect responsible for that particular vehicle theft also are thought to be responsible for rash of break-ins that occurred May 5, in Sumner County. On May 7, police located Jester and had to chase him down. During that pursuit, Jester allegedly threw away a firearm and backpack, which were recovered later.Jester was brought back to the Arkansas City Police Department and questioned about the recent crimes. He remains jailed on requested charges that include four felony counts of burglary of a motor vehicle, as well as one felony count each of criminal possession of a firearm by a felon, interference with a law enforcement officer, possession of stolen property, and theft of a motor vehicle. He also was arrested on suspicion of four misdemeanor counts of theft and one misdemeanor count of criminal trespass. Police are still seeking addition suspects in the case.

Police: Kan. burglary suspect dumped handgun during chase

DICKINSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Ohio woman caught with more than&nbsp;five pounds of fentanyl in her car during a traffic stop on Interstate 70, according to a media release from the Dickinson County Sheriff.&nbsp;

On May 5, a member of the Dickinson County Sheriff's Office Drug Enforcement Unit conducted a stop for numerous traffic violations on a passenger car at the Abilene exit. 

During the stop, the deputy became suspicious of criminal activity. The sheriff's office K-9 was deployed and helped find&nbsp; 5.2 pounds of fentanyl in the car.

Deputies arrested the driver, Latoya Walker, 39, of Dublin, Ohio, on requested narcotics-related charges for trafficking fentanyl.

Fentanyl can be lethal in extremely small doses. It is a synthetic opioid that is 80-100 times stronger than morphine and has been responsible for thousands of deaths across the United States, the sheriff's office noted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620483422955.jpeg" alt="Walker photo Dickinson Co.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Walker photo Dickinson Co.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>DICKINSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Ohio woman caught with more than&nbsp;five pounds of fentanyl in her car during a traffic stop on Interstate 70, according to a media release from the Dickinson County Sheriff.&nbsp;On May 5, a member of the Dickinson County Sheriff's Office Drug Enforcement Unit conducted a stop for numerous traffic violations on a passenger car at the Abilene exit. During the stop, the deputy became suspicious of criminal activity. The sheriff's office K-9 was deployed and helped find&nbsp; 5.2 pounds of fentanyl in the car.Deputies arrested the driver, Latoya Walker, 39, of Dublin, Ohio, on requested narcotics-related charges for trafficking fentanyl.Fentanyl can be lethal in extremely small doses. It is a synthetic opioid that is 80-100 times stronger than morphine and has been responsible for thousands of deaths across the United States, the sheriff's office noted.

Sheriff: Woman caught with 5 pounds of fentanyl on I-70

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Prosecutors <a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/1747/Strickland-v-Chris-Brewer-Amicus-Brief-">called for the release</a> of a Missouri man who has spent more than 40 years in prison for a triple murder that the prosecutors concluded he didn’t commit, a letter released Monday showed.

The release of the letter, indicating overwhelming support for the release of Kevin Strickland, 62, came after his attorneys filed a petition urging the Missouri Supreme Court to free him immediately. In the letter, Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker and her chief deputy, Dan Nelson, said the evidence used to convict Strickland as a teenager has since been “eviscerated.”

Federal prosecutors in the Western District of Missouri, Jackson County’s presiding judge, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas and members of the team that convicted Strickland four decades ago also now all agree that he deserves to be exonerated.

“This is a profound error we must correct now,” Baker said in the letter.

Strickland remains at the Western Missouri Correctional Center in Cameron. If he is exonerated, he will have suffered the longest wrongful imprisonment known in Missouri history.

Strickland, of Kansas City, was 18 when he was arrested, and prosecutors say the case was “thin from its inception,” resting almost entirely on the dubious identification of a traumatized shooting victim. Prosecutors said they wouldn’t charge Strickland with any crimes if the same case was before them today.

An investigation published in September said that for decades, two men who pleaded guilty in the killings swore Strickland was not with them and two other accomplices during the April 25, 1978, killings.

The testimony of Cynthia Douglas, the only eyewitness to the murders who herself was shot, was crucial. However, she later said detectives pressured her into identifying him. She tried to recant for years before dying in 2015.

Prosecutors at trial claimed Strickland carried a shotgun during the murders and elicited testimony that no fingerprints on the weapon could be compared. But new forensic testing done this year shows one fingerprint found on the gun is not Strickland’s.

The Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office began reviewing Strickland’s conviction in November after speaking with his lawyers and reviewing the investigation. Strickland’s case was the first tied to the murders to go to court.

The killings occurred when a group of assailants ransacked a Kansas City home. Larry Ingram, 21; Douglas’ boyfriend, John Walker, 20; and Douglas’ best friend, Sherrie Black, 22, were each fatally shot. Douglas was wounded but pretended to be dead.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620695920927.png" alt="Strickland photo MODOC" />
 <figcaption>Strickland photo MODOC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Prosecutors <a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/1747/Strickland-v-Chris-Brewer-Amicus-Brief-">called for the release</a> of a Missouri man who has spent more than 40 years in prison for a triple murder that the prosecutors concluded he didn’t commit, a letter released Monday showed.The release of the letter, indicating overwhelming support for the release of Kevin Strickland, 62, came after his attorneys filed a petition urging the Missouri Supreme Court to free him immediately. In the letter, Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker and her chief deputy, Dan Nelson, said the evidence used to convict Strickland as a teenager has since been “eviscerated.”Federal prosecutors in the Western District of Missouri, Jackson County’s presiding judge, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas and members of the team that convicted Strickland four decades ago also now all agree that he deserves to be exonerated.“This is a profound error we must correct now,” Baker said in the letter.Strickland remains at the Western Missouri Correctional Center in Cameron. If he is exonerated, he will have suffered the longest wrongful imprisonment known in Missouri history.Strickland, of Kansas City, was 18 when he was arrested, and prosecutors say the case was “thin from its inception,” resting almost entirely on the dubious identification of a traumatized shooting victim. Prosecutors said they wouldn’t charge Strickland with any crimes if the same case was before them today.An investigation published in September said that for decades, two men who pleaded guilty in the killings swore Strickland was not with them and two other accomplices during the April 25, 1978, killings.The testimony of Cynthia Douglas, the only eyewitness to the murders who herself was shot, was crucial. However, she later said detectives pressured her into identifying him. She tried to recant for years before dying in 2015.Prosecutors at trial claimed Strickland carried a shotgun during the murders and elicited testimony that no fingerprints on the weapon could be compared. But new forensic testing done this year shows one fingerprint found on the gun is not Strickland’s.The Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office began reviewing Strickland’s conviction in November after speaking with his lawyers and reviewing the investigation. Strickland’s case was the first tied to the murders to go to court.The killings occurred when a group of assailants ransacked a Kansas City home. Larry Ingram, 21; Douglas’ boyfriend, John Walker, 20; and Douglas’ best friend, Sherrie Black, 22, were each fatally shot. Douglas was wounded but pretended to be dead.

Prosecutors: KC man wrongly convicted of 1978 murder

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a robbery and have two in custody.

Just before 6:00AM on Sunday, officers responded to the area of 21st and Birch in Atchison after it was reported an injured man was outside a residence, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

Police located the 28-year-old injured man from Liberty, Missouri and EMS transported him to a local hospital by EMS with for treatment. 

After an investigation that continued throughout the day on Sunday, police learned the victim came to Atchison around 9p.m. on Saturday. The victim arrived to meet with a person who lived at a residence in the 2000 Block of Birch Street and had been communicating with them on-line, according to Wilson.

Five persons were gathered in the Birch Street residence when a disturbance occurred around 4:00a.m.

The suspects struck the man over the head with a ball bat and over the head and shoulder with a chair and liquor bottle, and threatened him with a knife, according to Wilson.

The suspects also took a credit card, an ID card, cash and a cellphone from him. 

The victim was later able to get out and away from the residence and went to a nearby neighbor’s residence for help and police were called.

Police took a 17-year-old boy into custody on requested charges of aggravated battery and aggravated robbery. He is being held in a juvenile detention facility.

Police also arrested Bailey R. Walker, 28, of Atchison, on requested charges of aggravated assault and aggravated robbery. She is being held in the Atchison County jail, according to Wilson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620611598398.png" alt="Walker photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Walker photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a robbery and have two in custody.Just before 6:00AM on Sunday, officers responded to the area of 21st and Birch in Atchison after it was reported an injured man was outside a residence, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.Police located the 28-year-old injured man from Liberty, Missouri and EMS transported him to a local hospital by EMS with for treatment. After an investigation that continued throughout the day on Sunday, police learned the victim came to Atchison around 9p.m. on Saturday. The victim arrived to meet with a person who lived at a residence in the 2000 Block of Birch Street and had been communicating with them on-line, according to Wilson.Five persons were gathered in the Birch Street residence when a disturbance occurred around 4:00a.m.The suspects struck the man over the head with a ball bat and over the head and shoulder with a chair and liquor bottle, and threatened him with a knife, according to Wilson.The suspects also took a credit card, an ID card, cash and a cellphone from him. The victim was later able to get out and away from the residence and went to a nearby neighbor’s residence for help and police were called.Police took a 17-year-old boy into custody on requested charges of aggravated battery and aggravated robbery. He is being held in a juvenile detention facility.Police also arrested Bailey R. Walker, 28, of Atchison, on requested charges of aggravated assault and aggravated robbery. She is being held in the Atchison County jail, according to Wilson.

Police: Kan.  woman jailed after baseball bat attack, robbery

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas jail deputy, accused of having sex with inmates made his first court appearance on Friday.

Tony LoSavio, 40 of Wichita, is charged with 8 counts of unlawful sexual relations, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney.

On May 4, the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office received information that LoSavio was having sexual contact with a female inmate, according to Lt. Benjamin Blick.

The Sheriff’s Office investigated the complaint and determined enough probable cause existed to arrest LoSavio.

He began employment with the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office in March of 2017 and has been placed on an unpaid suspension.

His next court date is May 20. He remains in jail on a bond of $75,000, according to the district attorney.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620228617694.png" alt="LoSavio photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>LoSavio photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas jail deputy, accused of having sex with inmates made his first court appearance on Friday.Tony LoSavio, 40 of Wichita, is charged with 8 counts of unlawful sexual relations, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney.On May 4, the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office received information that LoSavio was having sexual contact with a female inmate, according to Lt. Benjamin Blick.The Sheriff’s Office investigated the complaint and determined enough probable cause existed to arrest LoSavio.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FSedgwickCountySheriff%2Fvideos%2F292222212392172%2F&show_text=false&width=560" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>He began employment with the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office in March of 2017 and has been placed on an unpaid suspension.His next court date is May 20. He remains in jail on a bond of $75,000, according to the district attorney.&nbsp;-------

Kansas jail deputy charged with having sex with inmate 

By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/05/10/kansas-lawmakers-make-sexual-extortion-a-crime-raise-penalties-for-eluding-police/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — A criminal 
justice bill passed by the House and Senate makes sexual extortion a 
crime, enforces stronger penalties for attempting to elude a police 
officer and allows a spouse to be charged with sexual battery.

Senate Bill 60 passed with
 overwhelming bipartisan support, although some lawmakers took issue 
with a provision that amends a state statute dealing with when a person 
can be tried by Kansas courts. The provision arose out of a recent state
 Court of Appeals ruling that Kansas courts only had jurisdiction over 
an out-of-state crime that affected someone in Kansas if the criminal 
statute governing that crime considered the “negative consequences” of a
 crime.

Rep. John Carmichael, 
D-Wichita, blasted the provision as an attempt to cover up a poorly 
tried lawsuit by the attorney general’s office where the office failed 
to prove the crime occurred in Kansas. While Carmichael was in favor of 
three provisions of the bill and ultimately voted in favor of the 
measure, he called out this section as a shoddy cover-up.

In testimony before the 
Senate Judiciary Committee, a representative of the Kansas Association 
of Criminal Defense Lawyers spoke in opposition to the bill, calling it 
premature because litigation related to the issue is still pending.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/sb60_02_0000.pdf">SB 60 contains five bills</a>
 that were bundled together when the House and Senate judiciary panels 
came together to iron out policy differences. The measure passed the 
House by a vote of 118 to 3 last week, and the Senate followed 40-0. The
 package now goes to Gov. Laura Kelly for approval.

A second provision would 
remove an exemption in current law shielding spouses from prosecution 
for sexual battery. The measure would make it a crime for one spouse to 
touch the other with “the intent to arouse or satisfy the sexual desires
 of the offender or another” without consent.

Before
 being added to the crime bundle, the proposed change in law was 
introduced by Rep. Fred Patton, R-Topeka, on behalf of Rep. Brett 
Parker, D-Overland Park, and <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/02/11/kansas-lawmaker-wonders-if-marriage-involves-implied-consent-for-sexual-battery/">passed the House 110-13</a>.

Sen. David Haley, D-Kansas
 City, said the measure could provide relief to a growing backlog of 
domestic abuse cases yet to or unable to be addressed in Kansas.

“Sometimes it’s as clear 
as a bruised person coming in saying, ‘I’ve been abused. I’ve been 
struck. I’m the victim of a battery,’ and the immediate affirmative 
defense is this can’t be prosecuted because we’re married, and this has 
long troubled me, as it should others,” Haley said.

In the House Judiciary Committee hearing, nobody testified in opposition to the bill.

Patton
 expanded on another provision included in the bundle relating to a law 
described by sexual assault advocates as “archaic” and “misogynistic.”&nbsp;

“This
 bill would also prohibit a court from requiring a victim of a crime to 
undergo a psychological examination during the prosecution for such 
crime,” Patton said. “It did pass out of House Judiciary, but it was too
 late to bring it above the floor, so you have not had the chance to 
vote on it before. But again, it was supported by the advocates against 
sexual violence and prosecutors across the state, and it passed 
unanimously on the other side.”

The
 rule in Kansas allowing psychiatric or psychological examination of a 
witness stems from a 1979 Kansas Supreme Court case that relied on 
“outdated and false understandings of criminal sexual abuse,” said Todd 
Thompson, of the Kansas County and District Attorneys Association, in 
testimony to the House Judiciary Committee.

A similar bill that failed last year&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salina.com/news/20200220/kansas-prosecutors-want-to-ban-shameful-psych-tests-for-rape-victims">targeted evaluations for only victims of sexual abuse</a>, but legislators amended the measure to include victims of all crimes.

In
 yet another provision, someone who flees a police officer while driving
 a stolen vehicle would face a level 9 felony. It would also make 
knowingly driving the wrong way to evade an officer a level 7 felony. 

“There’s
 rampant auto theft in Kansas,” said Sen. Kellie Warren, R-Leawood. “The
 bill amends the penalty as well. Again, a tough-on-crime piece.”

Some
 supporters of the bill pointed to incidents like that of Sen. Gene 
Suellentrop, a Wichita Republican who was arrested for fleeing an 
officer after driving under the influence on the wrong side of the 
highway, as a reason to strengthen these laws.&nbsp;

The
 final bill included in the package would make it a felony crime to 
threaten to injure a person or the reputation of a person, through the 
distribution of an image, video or other recordings of a person that is 
sexual in nature.

“It
 is important to recognize that blackmail, coercion, and abuse of power 
are often used in cases of domestic violence and sexual violence to 
compel a victim to comply with the desires of the perpetrator,” said 
Sarah Rust-Martin, legal and policy director for KCSDV. “All victims 
deserve to be safe from this type of blackmail or intrusion.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620668101913.png" alt="Rep. John Carmichael, D-Wichita, voted in favor a bundle of criminal justice bills but blasted the original bill for covering up a poorly tried case by the attorney general's office. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Rep. John Carmichael, D-Wichita, voted in favor a bundle of criminal justice bills but blasted the original bill for covering up a poorly tried case by the attorney general's office. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/05/10/kansas-lawmakers-make-sexual-extortion-a-crime-raise-penalties-for-eluding-police/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — A criminal 
justice bill passed by the House and Senate makes sexual extortion a 
crime, enforces stronger penalties for attempting to elude a police 
officer and allows a spouse to be charged with sexual battery.Senate Bill 60 passed with
 overwhelming bipartisan support, although some lawmakers took issue 
with a provision that amends a state statute dealing with when a person 
can be tried by Kansas courts. The provision arose out of a recent state
 Court of Appeals ruling that Kansas courts only had jurisdiction over 
an out-of-state crime that affected someone in Kansas if the criminal 
statute governing that crime considered the “negative consequences” of a
 crime.Rep. John Carmichael, 
D-Wichita, blasted the provision as an attempt to cover up a poorly 
tried lawsuit by the attorney general’s office where the office failed 
to prove the crime occurred in Kansas. While Carmichael was in favor of 
three provisions of the bill and ultimately voted in favor of the 
measure, he called out this section as a shoddy cover-up.In testimony before the 
Senate Judiciary Committee, a representative of the Kansas Association 
of Criminal Defense Lawyers spoke in opposition to the bill, calling it 
premature because litigation related to the issue is still pending.<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/sb60_02_0000.pdf">SB 60 contains five bills</a>
 that were bundled together when the House and Senate judiciary panels 
came together to iron out policy differences. The measure passed the 
House by a vote of 118 to 3 last week, and the Senate followed 40-0. The
 package now goes to Gov. Laura Kelly for approval.A second provision would 
remove an exemption in current law shielding spouses from prosecution 
for sexual battery. The measure would make it a crime for one spouse to 
touch the other with “the intent to arouse or satisfy the sexual desires
 of the offender or another” without consent.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620668156040.jpeg" alt="Sen. David Haley praised a provision of the criminal justice bundle removing a spousal exception for criminal battery for not only doing away with an antiquated policy but potentially addressing a growing backlog of sexual abuse cases. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Sen. David Haley praised a provision of the criminal justice bundle removing a spousal exception for criminal battery for not only doing away with an antiquated policy but potentially addressing a growing backlog of sexual abuse cases. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>Before
 being added to the crime bundle, the proposed change in law was 
introduced by Rep. Fred Patton, R-Topeka, on behalf of Rep. Brett 
Parker, D-Overland Park, and <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/02/11/kansas-lawmaker-wonders-if-marriage-involves-implied-consent-for-sexual-battery/">passed the House 110-13</a>.Sen. David Haley, D-Kansas
 City, said the measure could provide relief to a growing backlog of 
domestic abuse cases yet to or unable to be addressed in Kansas.“Sometimes it’s as clear 
as a bruised person coming in saying, ‘I’ve been abused. I’ve been 
struck. I’m the victim of a battery,’ and the immediate affirmative 
defense is this can’t be prosecuted because we’re married, and this has 
long troubled me, as it should others,” Haley said.In the House Judiciary Committee hearing, nobody testified in opposition to the bill.Patton
 expanded on another provision included in the bundle relating to a law 
described by sexual assault advocates as “archaic” and “misogynistic.”&nbsp;“This
 bill would also prohibit a court from requiring a victim of a crime to 
undergo a psychological examination during the prosecution for such 
crime,” Patton said. “It did pass out of House Judiciary, but it was too
 late to bring it above the floor, so you have not had the chance to 
vote on it before. But again, it was supported by the advocates against 
sexual violence and prosecutors across the state, and it passed 
unanimously on the other side.”The
 rule in Kansas allowing psychiatric or psychological examination of a 
witness stems from a 1979 Kansas Supreme Court case that relied on 
“outdated and false understandings of criminal sexual abuse,” said Todd 
Thompson, of the Kansas County and District Attorneys Association, in 
testimony to the House Judiciary Committee.A similar bill that failed last year&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salina.com/news/20200220/kansas-prosecutors-want-to-ban-shameful-psych-tests-for-rape-victims">targeted evaluations for only victims of sexual abuse</a>, but legislators amended the measure to include victims of all crimes.In
 yet another provision, someone who flees a police officer while driving
 a stolen vehicle would face a level 9 felony. It would also make 
knowingly driving the wrong way to evade an officer a level 7 felony. “There’s
 rampant auto theft in Kansas,” said Sen. Kellie Warren, R-Leawood. “The
 bill amends the penalty as well. Again, a tough-on-crime piece.”Some
 supporters of the bill pointed to incidents like that of Sen. Gene 
Suellentrop, a Wichita Republican who was arrested for fleeing an 
officer after driving under the influence on the wrong side of the 
highway, as a reason to strengthen these laws.&nbsp;The
 final bill included in the package would make it a felony crime to 
threaten to injure a person or the reputation of a person, through the 
distribution of an image, video or other recordings of a person that is 
sexual in nature.“It
 is important to recognize that blackmail, coercion, and abuse of power 
are often used in cases of domestic violence and sexual violence to 
compel a victim to comply with the desires of the perpetrator,” said 
Sarah Rust-Martin, legal and policy director for KCSDV. “All victims 
deserve to be safe from this type of blackmail or intrusion.”

Kan. lawmakers make sexual extortion a crime, raise penalties for eluding police

BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged drug distribution.

Just after 6:30p.m. May 7,&nbsp; a sheriff's deputy stopped a blue Toyota pickup for a traffic infraction near the intersection of Broadway at Baker Street in Great Bend, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir.

 Deputies contacted the driver, identified as James B. Michael, 56 of Great Bend and asked for and received consent to search the vehicle. 

Deputies discovered methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. They arrested Michael at the scene without incident and transported him to the Barton County Jail. He was booked on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, no drug tax stamp and other charges. He is being held on a bond of $100,000, according to Bellendir.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620675978602.jpeg" alt="James Michael photo Barton Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>James Michael photo Barton Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged drug distribution.Just after 6:30p.m. May 7,&nbsp; a sheriff's deputy stopped a blue Toyota pickup for a traffic infraction near the intersection of Broadway at Baker Street in Great Bend, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir. Deputies contacted the driver, identified as James B. Michael, 56 of Great Bend and asked for and received consent to search the vehicle. Deputies discovered methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. They arrested Michael at the scene without incident and transported him to the Barton County Jail. He was booked on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, no drug tax stamp and other charges. He is being held on a bond of $100,000, according to Bellendir.

Kan. man held on $100K bond for alleged meth distribution

Geary County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a single vehicle accident in the 4000 block of Lower McDowell Creek Road at 1:50 p.m. Saturday.&nbsp;

Michael Osborne-Ingram, Fort Riley, was northbound on McDowell Creek Road in a 2015 Ford Fusion when he lost control of the vehicle. It went off the roadway and rolled one time. Both the driver and a passenger were transported to Geary Community Hospital for minor injuries.

Deputies responded at 8:39 p.m. Saturday to the 1000 block of North Jackson Street for a single vehicle accident involving a vehicle collision with a utility pole. Jacob Sanders, Fort Riley, was southbound in a 2020 Hyundai Sonata when the vehicle left the roadway and struck a utility pole. According to the Sheriff's Department, Sanders was arrested on the requested charge of Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs.

Geary County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a single vehicle accident in the 4000 block of Lower McDowell Creek Road at 1:50 p.m. Saturday.&nbsp;Michael Osborne-Ingram, Fort Riley, was northbound on McDowell Creek Road in a 2015 Ford Fusion when he lost control of the vehicle. It went off the roadway and rolled one time. Both the driver and a passenger were transported to Geary Community Hospital for minor injuries.--Deputies responded at 8:39 p.m. Saturday to the 1000 block of North Jackson Street for a single vehicle accident involving a vehicle collision with a utility pole. Jacob Sanders, Fort Riley, was southbound in a 2020 Hyundai Sonata when the vehicle left the roadway and struck a utility pole. According to the Sheriff's Department, Sanders was arrested on the requested charge of Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs.

Sheriff's Deputies respond to a pair of weekend accidents

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Kansas City police are investigating after a man was found shot to death outside an apartment.

The shooting happened just after midnight Saturday near 88th and Crystal Avenue. Arriving officers found the victim with gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The victim has not been identified, and no arrests have been made.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Kansas City police are investigating after a man was found shot to death outside an apartment.The shooting happened just after midnight Saturday near 88th and Crystal Avenue. Arriving officers found the victim with gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.The victim has not been identified, and no arrests have been made.

KC Police: Man shot to death outside apartment

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after an investigation.

On May 6, numerous police agencies conducted a search warrant in a home in the 900 block of NE Michigan Avenue in Topeka, according to Topeka Police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.

Investigators recovered dozens of stolen items, guns and drugs inside the home. The recovered items had previously been reported stolen from Atchison and Jackson counties.

As a result of the investigation, police arrested Lindsey L. Wabaunsee, 34 of Topeka, and booked her into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges that include Possession of stimulant, Possession of marijuana, Criminal use of weapons, Defacing identification marks on a firearm, Use/Possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body and Theft.

The Atchison County Sheriff’s Office and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the investigation, according to Spiker.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612473377346.png" alt="Wabaunsee-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Wabaunsee-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after an investigation.On May 6, numerous police agencies conducted a search warrant in a home in the 900 block of NE Michigan Avenue in Topeka, according to Topeka Police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.Investigators recovered dozens of stolen items, guns and drugs inside the home. The recovered items had previously been reported stolen from Atchison and Jackson counties.As a result of the investigation, police arrested Lindsey L. Wabaunsee, 34 of Topeka, and booked her into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges that include Possession of stimulant, Possession of marijuana, Criminal use of weapons, Defacing identification marks on a firearm, Use/Possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body and Theft.The Atchison County Sheriff’s Office and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the investigation, according to Spiker.

Police arrest Kansas woman, recover stolen guns

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620334492831.png" alt="Security camera image of shooting suspect -Wichita PD" />
 <figcaption>Security camera image of shooting suspect -Wichita PD</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A man who worked security at a QuikTrip store in Wichita has died, two days after being shot. Will Robinson was shot Wednesday night at the downtown store. Wichita Police say he died Friday. He was 39. A suspect Laroy West in custody in the shooting. Police say he has a long criminal record. Robinson had worked as a security guard at QuikTrip for about a year. Before that he was a Wichita police officer. He was a married father of two children. QuikTrip, in a statement, said it is “absolutely devastated and heartbroken by the tragic loss of Will.”--------SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities&nbsp; investigating a shooting that critically injured a convenience store security guard have arrested 41-year-old Laroy West of Wichita.Just after 10p.m. Wednesday police responded to report of a shooting near a convenience store at Broadway and Murdoch in Wichita, according to Police Captain Jason Stephens.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620393217853.png" alt="Laroy West has multiple previous felony convictions, according to police -Photo Sedgwick County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Laroy West has multiple previous felony convictions, according to police -Photo Sedgwick County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>At the scene, officers located a 39-year-old man identified as the Quick Trip security guard in the alley across from the business with a gunshot wound to his upper body. EMS transported him to a local hospital where he remains in critical condition on Friday, according to Officer Charley Davidson.The security guard encountered a man who was causing a disruption inside the store.&nbsp; He escorted the man from the store and ultimately to the edge of the property where the disturbance continued and the suspect shot the security guard.&nbsp;&nbsp;There is no indication, the security guard brandished any weapons, according to Stephens.&nbsp; Due to his condition, the victim is unable to provide a statementOn Thursday evening, a Wichita Police Lieutenant was doing follow-up on the investigation and observed West in the area of 19th and Broadway. West was contacted and arrested without incident.&nbsp;He is being <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20070639">held on requested charges</a> of attempted 1st-degree murder and criminal possession of a firearm, according to Davidson.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620334524153.png" alt="Security camera image of the shooting suspect -photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Security camera image of the shooting suspect -photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.&nbsp;&nbsp;---------SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting involving a convenience store security guard.Just after 10p.m. Wednesday police responded to report of a shooting near a convenience store at Broadway and Murdoch in Wichita, according to Police Captain Jason Stephens.At the scene, officers located a 39-year-old man in the alley across from the business with a gunshot wound to his upper body. EMS transported him to a local hospital where he remains in critical condition, according to Stephens.Investigators have learned the victim was an armed security guard employed by Quick Trip. The victim encountered a man who was causing a disruption inside the store.&nbsp; He escorted the man from the store and ultimately to the edge of the property where the disturbance continued and the suspect shot the security guard.&nbsp;&nbsp;There is no indication, the security guard brandished any weapons, according to Stephens.&nbsp; Due to his condition, the victim is unable to provide a statement

Kansas store security guard dies, days after being shot

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a weekend shooting have made an arrest.

Just after 7:30 p.m. Sunday, police responded to a walk-in shooting call at a Wichita hospital, according to Officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp; 

Upon arrival, officers contacted 27-year-old John Ross of Wichita, who had been shot in the chest.&nbsp; He received treatment at the hospital but died of his injuries, according to Davidson.

The investigation revealed 59-year-old Sandra Ross and several relatives were at a home in the 800 block of South Terrace.&nbsp; 

While at the home, Ross got into a disturbance with one of her relatives.&nbsp; During the disturbance, she grabbed a handgun, and there was a struggle over the gun when it discharged and struck John Ross who was sitting on a couch and not involved in the disturbance.&nbsp;

Detectives examined the evidence and spoke to witnesses, which led to the arrest on Wednesday.&nbsp;Ross <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=72451">is being held on a</a> requested charge of involuntary manslaughter, according to Davidson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620314154706.png" alt="Sandra Ross photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Sandra Ross photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a weekend shooting have made an arrest.Just after 7:30 p.m. Sunday, police responded to a walk-in shooting call at a Wichita hospital, according to Officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers contacted 27-year-old John Ross of Wichita, who had been shot in the chest.&nbsp; He received treatment at the hospital but died of his injuries, according to Davidson.The investigation revealed 59-year-old Sandra Ross and several relatives were at a home in the 800 block of South Terrace.&nbsp; While at the home, Ross got into a disturbance with one of her relatives.&nbsp; During the disturbance, she grabbed a handgun, and there was a struggle over the gun when it discharged and struck John Ross who was sitting on a couch and not involved in the disturbance.&nbsp;Detectives examined the evidence and spoke to witnesses, which led to the arrest on Wednesday.&nbsp;Ross <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=72451">is being held on a</a> requested charge of involuntary manslaughter, according to Davidson.

Kansas woman jailed after deadly struggle over gun

&nbsp;By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/people/abigail-censky">Abigail Censky</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-04-27/from-taxes-to-trans-athletes-republicans-in-kansas-legislature-look-to-override-governors-vetoes">Kansas News Service</a>

The legalization measure puts in tight restrictions on what conditions cannabis could be used for, and which doctors can recommend it, in an effort to win over support from conservatives.

TOPEKA, Kansas&nbsp;— Kansas took its first major step toward legalizing medical marijuana Thursday when the conservative Republicans who dominate the state House passed a bill that tracks a national trend and bucks federal law.

Kansas-style legalization would regulate everything from patient access to cannabis advertising.

The historic floor debate stretched on for nearly five hours, laying bare divisions among Republicans. The bill passed 78-42 on an initial vote. A final vote would send it to the Kansas Senate. Some lawmakers argued that legalizing medical marijuana fell in line with small-government philosophies.

“It’s time,” Bunker Hill Republican Rep. Troy Waymaster said. “It is the right move forward for the state of Kansas.”

Opponents like Rep. Tatum Lee-Hahn, a Republican from western Kansas, argued that the legalization of medical marijuana would set the stage for recreational use.

“In 10 years, when we’re driving down Main Street and there’s two and three dispensaries on every block, that’s on us,” Lee-Hahn said. “We did that.”

Rep. Blake Carpenter, a conservative Republican who shepherded the bill on the floor of the House, called it a conservative option for legalization.

“Government is becoming a nanny state,” he said. “We really need to get back to individual responsibility and trusting that people will use this medical marijuana in a responsible manner, at home in order to help their seizures or other issues that they have.”

Kansas remains one of only&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncsl.org/research/health/state-medical-marijuana-laws.aspx" target="_blank">a few states</a>&nbsp;where medical marijuana remains illegal.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb158/" target="_blank">The bill</a>&nbsp;went through lengthy revisions and ended up with restrictions designed to win over the most conservative members of the Legislature. Lawmakers amended the bill Thursday to allow counties to effectively opt-out of medical marijuana by banning growers, distributors and dispensaries.

In most cases, patients would be required to get a recommendation from a doctor with whom they’ve had a relationship for six months.

More than 20 medical conditions are listed for use with the drugs. They include Parkinson’s disease, post-traumatic stress disorder and epilepsy.

The bill would allow for additions to the list, and set the rules for making changes. For instance, people could petition an advisory committee to add more. After a review, the committee could make a recommendation to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment whether to add other conditions to the list. The decision would ultimately be made by the state’s health secretary.

An amendment added Thursday requires conditions on the list to be reviewed every three years with the potential to be removed if evidence about the benefits of medical marijuana change.

The bill also includes limitations on the forms of medical marijuana available. In short, nothing people could smoke or vape. In the version of the bill passed by the House on Thursday, patients could only get their medical marijuana as edibles, oils, tinctures, patches or plant material.

Physicians would also have to get a special state certification to recommend medical marijuana.

Employers could still ban employees from using marijuana even if they got it legally for medical reasons. They could still drug test employees and discipline or fire people for violating a no-marijuana policy.

Yet many conservatives objected to the legalization of what they called a “gateway drug.” Others, like Rep. Pat Proctor, a Republican from Leavenworth, said legalization would be a “death blow” to his town.

“This bill is setting us on the path toward recreational marijuana,” he said. “If you don’t believe that, then I would ask, why are we selling it in dispensaries instead of pharmacies? Why are we growing it in buildings instead of farms? Why are we dispensing it in any other form other than pill form?”

But Republicans like freshman Rep. Samantha Poetter said prohibition doesn’t work.

“The reality today is marijuana is in Kansas,” she said, “whether you want to admit it or not.”

She said 80% of constituents in her mostly rural district favor medical marijuana.

“(But) rather than allowing those who benefit from the use of it do so legally,” she said, “we have to force veterans, cancer patients and many others to buy a drug off of the street, unregulated, and from who knows where.”

Dueling factions of Republicans offered a litany of amendments that ranged from limiting the prescription of medical marijuana to pharmacies rather than dispensaries to reigning in the scope of advertising.

Democrats offered only a handful of amendments attempting once to set a percentage of licenses for dispensaries or growing operations that must be given to “equity groups” like Black, Latino, or low-income Kansans.

“The intent of this is to recognize that not everybody in this state could get the capital to open right now and many families have somebody who’s currently incarcerated because they’ve done the very same thing we’re about to issue these licenses for,” said Rep. Jo Ella Hoye.

Rep. Gail Finney, a Democrat from Wichita who has lupus, also gained support from lawmakers to add lupus to the list of medical conditions eligible for medical marijuana.

The battle to legalize medical marijuana in Kansas may still fall short this year. Senate President Ty Masterson said earlier in the week that it’s too late for the Senate to look at a bill that it hasn’t worked on this year. Even so, the bill would be ready to advance in the 2022 session.

Gov. Laura Kelly would likely support the bill if it made it to her desk. She proposed a much different plan earlier in the session, but has said that in general she supports legalizing medical cannabis in Kansas.

“I want Kansans to be able to get the treatment they need here in their home state,” she said earlier this year, “and not have to go someplace else.”

Stephen Koranda contributed to this report.

Abigail Censky is the political reporter for the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/AbigailCensky" target="_blank">@AbigailCensky</a>&nbsp;or email her at abigailcensky (at) kcur (dot) org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620329182480.png" alt="Rep. Mark Samsel, Republican from Wellsville during Thursday's House debate said residents in his district support&nbsp;medical marijuana.&nbsp; Samsel was arrested last&nbsp; week for possible misdemeanor battery in what authorities said was an incident involving a student while he was substitute teaching at a public school in his hometown." />
 <figcaption>Rep. Mark Samsel, Republican from Wellsville during Thursday's House debate said residents in his district support&nbsp;medical marijuana.&nbsp; Samsel was arrested last&nbsp; week for possible misdemeanor battery in what authorities said was an incident involving a student while he was substitute teaching at a public school in his hometown.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/people/abigail-censky">Abigail Censky</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-04-27/from-taxes-to-trans-athletes-republicans-in-kansas-legislature-look-to-override-governors-vetoes">Kansas News Service</a><h2>The legalization measure puts in tight restrictions on what conditions cannabis could be used for, and which doctors can recommend it, in an effort to win over support from conservatives.</h2>TOPEKA, Kansas&nbsp;— Kansas took its first major step toward legalizing medical marijuana Thursday when the conservative Republicans who dominate the state House passed a bill that tracks a national trend and bucks federal law.Kansas-style legalization would regulate everything from patient access to cannabis advertising.The historic floor debate stretched on for nearly five hours, laying bare divisions among Republicans. The bill passed 78-42 on an initial vote. A final vote would send it to the Kansas Senate. Some lawmakers argued that legalizing medical marijuana fell in line with small-government philosophies.“It’s time,” Bunker Hill Republican Rep. Troy Waymaster said. “It is the right move forward for the state of Kansas.”Opponents like Rep. Tatum Lee-Hahn, a Republican from western Kansas, argued that the legalization of medical marijuana would set the stage for recreational use.“In 10 years, when we’re driving down Main Street and there’s two and three dispensaries on every block, that’s on us,” Lee-Hahn said. “We did that.”Rep. Blake Carpenter, a conservative Republican who shepherded the bill on the floor of the House, called it a conservative option for legalization.“Government is becoming a nanny state,” he said. “We really need to get back to individual responsibility and trusting that people will use this medical marijuana in a responsible manner, at home in order to help their seizures or other issues that they have.”Kansas remains one of only&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncsl.org/research/health/state-medical-marijuana-laws.aspx" target="_blank">a few states</a>&nbsp;where medical marijuana remains illegal.A conservative bill<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb158/" target="_blank">The bill</a>&nbsp;went through lengthy revisions and ended up with restrictions designed to win over the most conservative members of the Legislature. Lawmakers amended the bill Thursday to allow counties to effectively opt-out of medical marijuana by banning growers, distributors and dispensaries.In most cases, patients would be required to get a recommendation from a doctor with whom they’ve had a relationship for six months.More than 20 medical conditions are listed for use with the drugs. They include Parkinson’s disease, post-traumatic stress disorder and epilepsy.The bill would allow for additions to the list, and set the rules for making changes. For instance, people could petition an advisory committee to add more. After a review, the committee could make a recommendation to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment whether to add other conditions to the list. The decision would ultimately be made by the state’s health secretary.An amendment added Thursday requires conditions on the list to be reviewed every three years with the potential to be removed if evidence about the benefits of medical marijuana change.The bill also includes limitations on the forms of medical marijuana available. In short, nothing people could smoke or vape. In the version of the bill passed by the House on Thursday, patients could only get their medical marijuana as edibles, oils, tinctures, patches or plant material.Physicians would also have to get a special state certification to recommend medical marijuana.Employers could still ban employees from using marijuana even if they got it legally for medical reasons. They could still drug test employees and discipline or fire people for violating a no-marijuana policy.Gateway to recreational marijuanaYet many conservatives objected to the legalization of what they called a “gateway drug.” Others, like Rep. Pat Proctor, a Republican from Leavenworth, said legalization would be a “death blow” to his town.“This bill is setting us on the path toward recreational marijuana,” he said. “If you don’t believe that, then I would ask, why are we selling it in dispensaries instead of pharmacies? Why are we growing it in buildings instead of farms? Why are we dispensing it in any other form other than pill form?”But Republicans like freshman Rep. Samantha Poetter said prohibition doesn’t work.“The reality today is marijuana is in Kansas,” she said, “whether you want to admit it or not.”She said 80% of constituents in her mostly rural district favor medical marijuana.“(But) rather than allowing those who benefit from the use of it do so legally,” she said, “we have to force veterans, cancer patients and many others to buy a drug off of the street, unregulated, and from who knows where.”Dueling factions of Republicans offered a litany of amendments that ranged from limiting the prescription of medical marijuana to pharmacies rather than dispensaries to reigning in the scope of advertising.Democrats offered only a handful of amendments attempting once to set a percentage of licenses for dispensaries or growing operations that must be given to “equity groups” like Black, Latino, or low-income Kansans.“The intent of this is to recognize that not everybody in this state could get the capital to open right now and many families have somebody who’s currently incarcerated because they’ve done the very same thing we’re about to issue these licenses for,” said Rep. Jo Ella Hoye.That provision failed 43-68.Rep. Gail Finney, a Democrat from Wichita who has lupus, also gained support from lawmakers to add lupus to the list of medical conditions eligible for medical marijuana.The battle to legalize medical marijuana in Kansas may still fall short this year. Senate President Ty Masterson said earlier in the week that it’s too late for the Senate to look at a bill that it hasn’t worked on this year. Even so, the bill would be ready to advance in the 2022 session.Gov. Laura Kelly would likely support the bill if it made it to her desk. She proposed a much different plan earlier in the session, but has said that in general she supports legalizing medical cannabis in Kansas.“I want Kansans to be able to get the treatment they need here in their home state,” she said earlier this year, “and not have to go someplace else.”Stephen Koranda contributed to this report.Abigail Censky is the political reporter for the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/AbigailCensky" target="_blank">@AbigailCensky</a>&nbsp;or email her at abigailcensky (at) kcur (dot) org.

Medical marijuana in Kansas takes step toward legalization 

MANHATTAN —Law enforcement authorities are asking for help finding a suspect with a warrant for his arrest for the alleged distribution of drugs near a Manhattan school.

On social media, the Riley County Police Department reported they are working to find 42-year-old Eladio Fuentes Alvarez Jr. of Manhattan. He is wanted on a warrant for two counts of distribution of a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school, two counts of unlawful possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, two counts of criminal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and a separate failure to appear warrant for unlawful possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and two counts of interference with law enforcement.

If you have any information on his whereabouts, please contact RCPD at (785) 537-2112 or Crime Stoppers at (785) 539-7777

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620325586512.png" alt="Alvarez has previous convictions for theft, burglary and drug possession, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Alvarez has previous convictions for theft, burglary and drug possession, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN —Law enforcement authorities are asking for help finding a suspect with a warrant for his arrest for the alleged distribution of drugs near a Manhattan school.On social media, the Riley County Police Department reported they are working to find 42-year-old Eladio Fuentes Alvarez Jr. of Manhattan. He is wanted on a warrant for two counts of distribution of a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school, two counts of unlawful possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, two counts of criminal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and a separate failure to appear warrant for unlawful possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and two counts of interference with law enforcement.If you have any information on his whereabouts, please contact RCPD at (785) 537-2112 or Crime Stoppers at (785) 539-7777

RCPD: Kan. felon wanted for distribution of drugs near school

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Police in Kansas City are investigating the fatal shootings of three people in separate attacks in a 7-hour period overnight.

The first shooting happened around 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, when officers were called to a business parking lot along Blue Parkway and found a man with gunshot wounds, police said in a news release. The man was taken to a hospital, where he died of his injuries.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620310811190.png" alt="Police in the parking lot of a business late Wednesday on a deadly night&nbsp; of violence in Kansas City -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police in the parking lot of a business late Wednesday on a deadly night&nbsp; of violence in Kansas City -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — Police in Kansas City are investigating the fatal shootings of three people in separate attacks in a 7-hour period overnight.The first shooting happened around 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, when officers were called to a business parking lot along Blue Parkway and found a man with gunshot wounds, police said in a news release. The man was taken to a hospital, where he died of his injuries.Early investigation revealed there was a fight inside a business that led to the shooting, police said. Investigators were interviewing witnesses and contacting nearby businesses to see if there is any surveillance video of the shooting, police said.Around 10 p.m., police were called to Hillcrest Avenue and found a man in the street who had been shot and died at the scene, police said. Several hours later, around 4:30 a.m. Thursday, another person was fatally shot near 85th Street and Euclid Avenue, police said. Police did not release more information on the later shootings.The victims’ names were not immediately released, and no arrests in any of the cases had been announced by early Thursday morning.