SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities have completed a drug investigation and have a suspect in custody.

&nbsp;On November 12, members of the Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit and the Shawnee County Drug Task Force served a search warrant in the 3700 Block of SW Topeka Blvd., according to Lt. Jerry Monasmith.

While conducting the search warrant, investigators learned 40-year-old Charles Handley of Topeka had methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and a firearm.

Officers transported Handley to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Distribution of methamphetamin, Possession of drug paraphernalia with intent and&nbsp;Criminal use of a weapon, according to Monasmith.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605479646600.png" alt="Handley photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Handley photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities have completed a drug investigation and have a suspect in custody.&nbsp;On November 12, members of the Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit and the Shawnee County Drug Task Force served a search warrant in the 3700 Block of SW Topeka Blvd., according to Lt. Jerry Monasmith.While conducting the search warrant, investigators learned 40-year-old Charles Handley of Topeka had methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and a firearm.Officers transported Handley to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Distribution of methamphetamin, Possession of drug paraphernalia with intent and&nbsp;Criminal use of a weapon, according to Monasmith.

Drug task force makes arrest at Kansas home

TOPEKA, KAN. – A man who was arrested on a city bus pleaded guilty to robbing a Topeka bank, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.

Clinton Adam Richards, 38, Topeka, pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery. Police responded to a robbery at U.S. Bank, 3600 SW Topeka Boulevard. A tall, bald man carrying a backpack approached a teller, demanded money and left the bank with the cash. A witness reported seeing the robber board a Topeka Metro bus at a bus stop near the bank. Police stopped the bus and arrested Richards.

Sentencing is set for Feb. 16, 2021. He could face up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605030219368.png" alt="Richards-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Richards-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, KAN. – A man who was arrested on a city bus pleaded guilty to robbing a Topeka bank, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.Clinton Adam Richards, 38, Topeka, pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery. Police responded to a robbery at U.S. Bank, 3600 SW Topeka Boulevard. A tall, bald man carrying a backpack approached a teller, demanded money and left the bank with the cash. A witness reported seeing the robber board a Topeka Metro bus at a bus stop near the bank. Police stopped the bus and arrested Richards.Sentencing is set for Feb. 16, 2021. He could face up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.&nbsp;

Man took city bus after Kansas bank robbery

FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a series of burglaries and have made two arrests.

On Friday, police reported they located&nbsp;Raymon Herrera, 24, Garden City, in the parking lot of Western Motors, 309 E Fulton Street, according to&nbsp;Sergeant Lana Urteaga. Herrera was arrested on requested charges of Burglary.

Police also reported the arrest of Ernest Virgil Whisler, 35, Garden City in connection with four auto burglaries in Garden City.&nbsp;Whisler is still in custody, according to online jail records.

Affidavits requesting the charge of Burglary for each incident have been forwarded to the Finney County Attorney’s Office for review, according to Urteaga.&nbsp;

The Garden City Police Department is requesting assistance from the community. If you witnessed these incidents or have information related to these incidents, you should call the Garden City Police Department.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605291161602.png" alt="Whisler-photo Finey County" />
 <figcaption>Whisler-photo Finey County</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a series of burglaries and have made two arrests.On Friday, police reported they located&nbsp;Raymon Herrera, 24, Garden City, in the parking lot of Western Motors, 309 E Fulton Street, according to&nbsp;Sergeant Lana Urteaga. Herrera was arrested on requested charges of Burglary.Police also reported the arrest of Ernest Virgil Whisler, 35, Garden City in connection with four auto burglaries in Garden City.&nbsp;Whisler is still in custody, according to online jail records.Affidavits requesting the charge of Burglary for each incident have been forwarded to the Finney County Attorney’s Office for review, according to Urteaga.&nbsp;The Garden City Police Department is requesting assistance from the community. If you witnessed these incidents or have information related to these incidents, you should call the Garden City Police Department.

Police arrest 2 SW Kansas suspects for burglary 

The FBI continues to seek information regarding the 2004 suspicious death of Alonzo Brooks in La Cygne, Kansas. 

The investigation into this cold case was initiated in 2019 and a reward of up to $100,000 for information was announced at a press conference on June 11.

During this investigation, new information has come to light surrounding the evening of Brooks’ death. Based upon interviews of individuals who had not previously spoken with investigators, the FBI has learned there was another party, the same evening, a relatively short distance away from the party Brooks attended. Through interviews, investigators have learned that a confrontation occurred at the nearby party, and many of the attendees left that gathering and joined the party at the farmhouse where Brooks was present.

The FBI is seeking to identify and speak with any individuals who attended either party. If you or someone you know were in attendance, please contact the FBI at 816-512-8200, 816-474-TIPS, or tips.fbi.gov. 

Any information you may have regarding this evening or these parties is valuable and could be crucial to this investigation. Even the smallest bit of&nbsp; information that may seem insignificant standing alone could be vital to the investigators.

The FBI is investigating Brooks’ death as a potential racially-motivated crime. Brooks, who was 23 years old at the time he died, was one of only three African-Americans at the party he attended with approximately 100 people at a farmhouse on the outskirts of La Cygne. Brooks, who lived in Gardner, Kan., rode to the party with friends, but they left before him, and Brooks eventually had no ride home. His body was later discovered in Middle Creek, adjacent to the farmhouse, on May 1, 2004.

The $100,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest, prosecution, and conviction of the individual or individuals responsible for Brooks’ death. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the FBI at 816-512-8200 or 816-474-TIPS, or to submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591908849400.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The FBI continues to seek information regarding the 2004 suspicious death of Alonzo Brooks in La Cygne, Kansas. The investigation into this cold case was initiated in 2019 and a reward of up to $100,000 for information was announced at a press conference on June 11.During this investigation, new information has come to light surrounding the evening of Brooks’ death. Based upon interviews of individuals who had not previously spoken with investigators, the FBI has learned there was another party, the same evening, a relatively short distance away from the party Brooks attended. Through interviews, investigators have learned that a confrontation occurred at the nearby party, and many of the attendees left that gathering and joined the party at the farmhouse where Brooks was present.The FBI is seeking to identify and speak with any individuals who attended either party. If you or someone you know were in attendance, please contact the FBI at 816-512-8200, 816-474-TIPS, or tips.fbi.gov. Any information you may have regarding this evening or these parties is valuable and could be crucial to this investigation. Even the smallest bit of&nbsp; information that may seem insignificant standing alone could be vital to the investigators.The FBI is investigating Brooks’ death as a potential racially-motivated crime. Brooks, who was 23 years old at the time he died, was one of only three African-Americans at the party he attended with approximately 100 people at a farmhouse on the outskirts of La Cygne. Brooks, who lived in Gardner, Kan., rode to the party with friends, but they left before him, and Brooks eventually had no ride home. His body was later discovered in Middle Creek, adjacent to the farmhouse, on May 1, 2004.The $100,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest, prosecution, and conviction of the individual or individuals responsible for Brooks’ death. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the FBI at 816-512-8200 or 816-474-TIPS, or to submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov

FBI learns new details in Kansas cold case murder

JAY, Okla. (AP) — A northeast Oklahoma man accused of filming a woman's death after injecting her with methamphetamine has died in custody, authorities said.

Brian Edward Anderson, 51, of Disney, was taken to a hospital in Grove, near the border with Arkansas and Missouri, where he died early Wednesday, authorities said. He was being held at the Delaware County Jail.

Jail staff had called paramedics to say he was suffering a medical episode, and he was taken to the hospital.

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation is handling the investigation of his death. The state Medical Examiner's Office will conduct an autopsy to determine how he died.

Anderson was facing a first-degree murder charge in the death of Melissa Vermillion, 41, for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/64e022ead5584263b7d8c9775ed4fa57">allegedly injecting her</a>&nbsp;with meth and recording her death.

His wife, Allie Beth Anderson, 43, is also charged with first-degree murder in Vermillion's death.

Authorities believe Vermillion was injected to prevent her from testifying about the Andersons' alleged criminal activity, according to an arrest affidavit. Allie Anderson remains in custody in Delaware County.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605220904687.png" alt="Anderson-photo Deleware County" />
 <figcaption>Anderson-photo Deleware County</figcaption>
 </figure>JAY, Okla. (AP) — A northeast Oklahoma man accused of filming a woman's death after injecting her with methamphetamine has died in custody, authorities said.Brian Edward Anderson, 51, of Disney, was taken to a hospital in Grove, near the border with Arkansas and Missouri, where he died early Wednesday, authorities said. He was being held at the Delaware County Jail.Jail staff had called paramedics to say he was suffering a medical episode, and he was taken to the hospital.The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation is handling the investigation of his death. The state Medical Examiner's Office will conduct an autopsy to determine how he died.Anderson was facing a first-degree murder charge in the death of Melissa Vermillion, 41, for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/64e022ead5584263b7d8c9775ed4fa57">allegedly injecting her</a>&nbsp;with meth and recording her death.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605221097963.png" alt="Allie Beth Anderson-photo Deleware Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Allie Beth Anderson-photo Deleware Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>His wife, Allie Beth Anderson, 43, is also charged with first-degree murder in Vermillion's death.Authorities believe Vermillion was injected to prevent her from testifying about the Andersons' alleged criminal activity, according to an arrest affidavit. Allie Anderson remains in custody in Delaware County.

Suspect charged in filming woman's death has died in jail

GREAT BEND – A Texas man has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for 100 years in connection with the July 2018 deaths of Alfred “Sonny” Carpenter and Pauline Carpenter, both of Wichita, at the Barton County Fair, according to Attorney General Derek Schmidt.

Rusty Lee Frasier, 37, of Aransas Pass, Texas, was sentenced Thursday afternoon in Barton County District Court by District Court Judge Mike Keeley. Frasier was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole for 50 years on each of two counts of first-degree murder. The sentences are to run consecutively.

Judge Keeley also sentenced Christine M. Tenney, 40, of La Marque, Texas, to 59 months in prison for aggravated robbery and eight months for obstructing apprehension for her role in the deaths. The sentences are to run concurrently.

Michael Fowler, Jr., 56, of Sarasota, Florida, was previously sentenced by Judge Keeley to life in prison without the possibility of parole for 100 years in connection with the Carpenters’ deaths.

Police learned that Fowler shot the Carpenters at the Barton County Fair in Great Bend. Investigators say he told police he killed the couple after receiving text messages from someone named Frank Zaitchik, a man he believed to be a member of a “carnival mafia.” Police said they later discovered the text messages were sent by Younger.

Younger, Fowler, Frasier and Tenney were arrested in Van Buren, Arkansas, on July 19 after a Tenney’s relative called local police to report she was being held against her will. The homicide investigation unfolded from there.

The cases were investigated by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation; Great Bend Police Department; Van Buren, Arkansas Police Department; and the Crawford County, Arkansas, Sheriff’s Office.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582143529496.png" alt="Frasier-photo Crawford Co. Arkansas Jail" />
 <figcaption>Frasier-photo Crawford Co. Arkansas Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>GREAT BEND – A Texas man has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for 100 years in connection with the July 2018 deaths of Alfred “Sonny” Carpenter and Pauline Carpenter, both of Wichita, at the Barton County Fair, according to Attorney General Derek Schmidt.Rusty Lee Frasier, 37, of Aransas Pass, Texas, was sentenced Thursday afternoon in Barton County District Court by District Court Judge Mike Keeley. Frasier was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole for 50 years on each of two counts of first-degree murder. The sentences are to run consecutively.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582143573295.png" alt="Tenney-photo Crawford Co., Arkansas Jail" />
 <figcaption>Tenney-photo Crawford Co., Arkansas Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>Judge Keeley also sentenced Christine M. Tenney, 40, of La Marque, Texas, to 59 months in prison for aggravated robbery and eight months for obstructing apprehension for her role in the deaths. The sentences are to run concurrently.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582143499597.png" alt="Fowler-photo Crawford County, Arkansas Jail" />
 <figcaption>Fowler-photo Crawford County, Arkansas Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>Michael Fowler, Jr., 56, of Sarasota, Florida, was previously sentenced by Judge Keeley to life in prison without the possibility of parole for 100 years in connection with the Carpenters’ deaths.Police learned that Fowler shot the Carpenters at the Barton County Fair in Great Bend. Investigators say he told police he killed the couple after receiving text messages from someone named Frank Zaitchik, a man he believed to be a member of a “carnival mafia.” Police said they later discovered the text messages were sent by Younger.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582143430812.png" alt="Younger-photo Crawford Co., Arkansas Jail" />
 <figcaption>Younger-photo Crawford Co., Arkansas Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>Younger, Fowler, Frasier and Tenney were arrested in Van Buren, Arkansas, on July 19 after a Tenney’s relative called local police to report she was being held against her will. The homicide investigation unfolded from there.The cases were investigated by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation; Great Bend Police Department; Van Buren, Arkansas Police Department; and the Crawford County, Arkansas, Sheriff’s Office.&nbsp;

Man sentenced for murder of couple at Barton County Fair

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Kansas City police have determined the death of a man over the weekend near Independence Plaza was a homicide.

Officers called to the area around East 12th Street and Cleveland Avenue around 7 p.m. Saturday found a man who was unresponsive. The man, later identified as 39-year-old Rodolfo Ibarra, was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Police initially said Ibarra’s cause of death was unclear, but investigators later deemed his death a homicide. Police have not released information on Ibarra’s cause of death or the type of injuries he sustained. No arrests had been announced by Friday morning.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Kansas City police have determined the death of a man over the weekend near Independence Plaza was a homicide.Officers called to the area around East 12th Street and Cleveland Avenue around 7 p.m. Saturday found a man who was unresponsive. The man, later identified as 39-year-old Rodolfo Ibarra, was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.Police initially said Ibarra’s cause of death was unclear, but investigators later deemed his death a homicide. Police have not released information on Ibarra’s cause of death or the type of injuries he sustained. No arrests had been announced by Friday morning.

Kansas City police: Man’s death near plaza was homicide

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — One of two people shot over the weekend in a park in Kansas City, Kansas, has died, police there said.

The shooting happened just before 1 a.m. Sunday in Kaw Point Park, police said. Officers who arrived on the scene found two men with gunshot wounds, and the victims were taken to an area hospital, police said.

Officials said in a news release Thursday that one of the victims — 23-year-old Juan Perez — died Wednesday from his injuries. The other man, whose name has not been released, remained in the hospital in serious but stable condition, police said.

No arrests had been reported in the case by Thursday.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — One of two people shot over the weekend in a park in Kansas City, Kansas, has died, police there said.The shooting happened just before 1 a.m. Sunday in Kaw Point Park, police said. Officers who arrived on the scene found two men with gunshot wounds, and the victims were taken to an area hospital, police said.Officials said in a news release Thursday that one of the victims — 23-year-old Juan Perez — died Wednesday from his injuries. The other man, whose name has not been released, remained in the hospital in serious but stable condition, police said.No arrests had been reported in the case by Thursday.

Police: 1 of 2 shot in Kansas park dies

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A man who claimed he was headed to Missouri to kill former U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill was arrested Wednesday in Utah after troopers caught him driving up to 130 mph, according to court documents.

George William Stahl, 36, of Cottonwood Heights, Utah, made several threats against McCaskill after he was arrested and told authorities that he was going to kill her, according to a probable cause affidavit. The two-term Democratic senator&nbsp; lost her seat in the 2018 midterm election and has become a political analyst for NBC News.

“Obviously, this is not the first time there have been threats, and that is never good,” McCaskill told The Associated Press in a statement. “But the political temperature is very high right now, which makes it concerning.”

Utah Highway Patrol officers saw Stahl speeding in Summit County around 12:45 a.m. Wednesday and arrested him. Stahl appeared to be heavily intoxicated and belligerent and told officers he had consumed Adderall, LSD and beer, the affidavit states. Officers say an empty 12-pack of Budweiser beer and another partially consumed 12-pack were in the vehicle.

Stahl was medically evaluated at a fire station and then taken to the Summit County Jail.

It could not be determined if Stahl had an attorney who could comment on his behalf.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605148746829.png" alt="Stahl -photo Summit Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Stahl -photo Summit Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A man who claimed he was headed to Missouri to kill former U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill was arrested Wednesday in Utah after troopers caught him driving up to 130 mph, according to court documents.George William Stahl, 36, of Cottonwood Heights, Utah, made several threats against McCaskill after he was arrested and told authorities that he was going to kill her, according to a probable cause affidavit. The two-term Democratic senator&nbsp; lost her seat in the 2018 midterm election and has become a political analyst for NBC News.“Obviously, this is not the first time there have been threats, and that is never good,” McCaskill told The Associated Press in a statement. “But the political temperature is very high right now, which makes it concerning.”Utah Highway Patrol officers saw Stahl speeding in Summit County around 12:45 a.m. Wednesday and arrested him. Stahl appeared to be heavily intoxicated and belligerent and told officers he had consumed Adderall, LSD and beer, the affidavit states. Officers say an empty 12-pack of Budweiser beer and another partially consumed 12-pack were in the vehicle.Stahl was medically evaluated at a fire station and then taken to the Summit County Jail.It could not be determined if Stahl had an attorney who could comment on his behalf.

Man was driving 130 mph on way to kill former U.S. senator 

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A man has been charged in the fatal shooting of another man inside a suburban Kansas City fast-food restaurant in what police say was a dangerous game between friends.

The shooting happened Monday night in a bathroom inside a McDonald’s in Blue Springs, killing 19-year-old Harry Bowers, of Lee’s Summit. Prosecutors on Tuesday charged Joseph Mayes, 20, with involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action.

Police documents say Mayes told investigators he was at a urinal in the bathroom when Bowers placed a gun to Mayes’ stomach and “pulled the trigger to hear it click," the Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article247110717.html">reported</a>. Mayes then reportedly pulled out his own gun, pointed it at Bowers and pulled the trigger, unaware there was a round was in the chamber. Prosecutors say this was a “game” the two often played.

Two others with Mayes and Bowers reported to police that Mayes came running from the restaurant after the shooting saying he had accidentally shot Bowers. Police said Mayes fled the scene and went to the house of his uncle, who convinced Mayes to turn himself in.

Two others were arrested in the shooting, police said. It's unclear whether they face any charges.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605105916986.png" alt="Mayes-photo Blue Springs PD" />
 <figcaption>Mayes-photo Blue Springs PD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A man has been charged in the fatal shooting of another man inside a suburban Kansas City fast-food restaurant in what police say was a dangerous game between friends.The shooting happened Monday night in a bathroom inside a McDonald’s in Blue Springs, killing 19-year-old Harry Bowers, of Lee’s Summit. Prosecutors on Tuesday charged Joseph Mayes, 20, with involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action.Police documents say Mayes told investigators he was at a urinal in the bathroom when Bowers placed a gun to Mayes’ stomach and “pulled the trigger to hear it click," the Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article247110717.html">reported</a>. Mayes then reportedly pulled out his own gun, pointed it at Bowers and pulled the trigger, unaware there was a round was in the chamber. Prosecutors say this was a “game” the two often played.Two others with Mayes and Bowers reported to police that Mayes came running from the restaurant after the shooting saying he had accidentally shot Bowers. Police said Mayes fled the scene and went to the house of his uncle, who convinced Mayes to turn himself in.Two others were arrested in the shooting, police said. It's unclear whether they face any charges.

Suspect: McDonald's restaurant bathroom shooting was game

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal Monday shooting at a Kansas home have a suspect in custody.

According to the Sedgwick County booking report, police arrested and booked Leroy Sabrion Gunter, 18, into the county jail just after&nbsp; 6:30p.m. Tuesday in connection with the shooting death of 21-year-old Christopher Bell of Wichita.

Just after 4p.m. Monday, police responded to a shooting at a residence in the 900 block of North Ridgewood in Wichita, according to officer Paul Cruz.

 Upon their arrival, officers learned that Bell had been transported to an area hospital by private vehicle where he later died from his injuries.

The investigation revealed Bell was inside of the residence when a disturbance ensued involving a known suspect. During the disturbance, the suspect fired multiple shots, striking Bell. Other individuals were inside of the residence but were not injured.&nbsp;

Gunter is being held on requested charges of first-degree murder, aggravated assault and criminal possession of a firearm, according to <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20067109">online jail records.</a>

This was not a random incident, according to Cruz.&nbsp;

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are&nbsp; investigating a fatal shooting and have identified the victim as 21-year-old Christopher Bell of Wichita, according to officer Paul Cruz.

Just after 4p.m. Monday, police responded to a shooting at a residence in the 900 block of North Ridgewood in Wichita, according to Cruz.

The investigation revealed Bell was inside of the residence when a disturbance ensued involving a known suspect. During the disturbance, the suspect fired multiple shots, striking Bell. Other individuals were inside of the residence but were not injured.

This was not a random incident, according to Cruz. Police have not reported an arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605100182056.png" alt="Gunter-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Gunter-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal Monday shooting at a Kansas home have a suspect in custody.According to the Sedgwick County booking report, police arrested and booked Leroy Sabrion Gunter, 18, into the county jail just after&nbsp; 6:30p.m. Tuesday in connection with the shooting death of 21-year-old Christopher Bell of Wichita.Just after 4p.m. Monday, police responded to a shooting at a residence in the 900 block of North Ridgewood in Wichita, according to officer Paul Cruz. Upon their arrival, officers learned that Bell had been transported to an area hospital by private vehicle where he later died from his injuries.The investigation revealed Bell was inside of the residence when a disturbance ensued involving a known suspect. During the disturbance, the suspect fired multiple shots, striking Bell. Other individuals were inside of the residence but were not injured.&nbsp;Gunter is being held on requested charges of first-degree murder, aggravated assault and criminal possession of a firearm, according to <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20067109">online jail records.</a>This was not a random incident, according to Cruz.&nbsp;--------SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are&nbsp; investigating a fatal shooting and have identified the victim as 21-year-old Christopher Bell of Wichita, according to officer Paul Cruz.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605047139298.png" alt="Police on the scene of the shooting investigation -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the shooting investigation -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 4p.m. Monday, police responded to a shooting at a residence in the 900 block of North Ridgewood in Wichita, according to Cruz. Upon their arrival, officers learned that Bell had been transported to an area hospital by private vehicle where he later died from his injuries.The investigation revealed Bell was inside of the residence when a disturbance ensued involving a known suspect. During the disturbance, the suspect fired multiple shots, striking Bell. Other individuals were inside of the residence but were not injured.This was not a random incident, according to Cruz. Police have not reported an arrest.

Update: Police arrest teen for shooting death at Kan. home

WICHITA – A man who led police on a high speed chase with a young child in the car has been sentenced. 

On Tuesday, District Judge Stephen Ternes sentenced Lametrius Turner, 20 of Wichita, to 16 months in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney.

On February 5th during a police traffic stop near Market and Mt. Vernon in Wichita, Turner drove away from an officer as she walked up to Turner's car. 

During a chase with several officers, Turner ran stop signs and red lights and threw a gun out of the car. 

The car stopped in the 2500 block of W. Wildwood, and Turner ran on foot. Police found him lying on the floor of a nearby apartment.

After Turner's arrest, a two year old child wearing a seatbelt was found in the backseat of the car. Turner's girlfriend was also in the car. She later told police that during the chase, she told Turner he should stop the car and run on foot so she and her child would be safe.

On October 10, Turner pled guilty to flee and elude and endangering a child. Turner had one 2019 conviction in Sedgwick County for criminal possession of a weapon by a felon. On January 21, he was placed on parole. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580923967576.png" alt="Lametrius Turner photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Lametrius Turner photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA – A man who led police on a high speed chase with a young child in the car has been sentenced. On Tuesday, District Judge Stephen Ternes sentenced Lametrius Turner, 20 of Wichita, to 16 months in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney.On February 5th during a police traffic stop near Market and Mt. Vernon in Wichita, Turner drove away from an officer as she walked up to Turner's car. During a chase with several officers, Turner ran stop signs and red lights and threw a gun out of the car. The car stopped in the 2500 block of W. Wildwood, and Turner ran on foot. Police found him lying on the floor of a nearby apartment.After Turner's arrest, a two year old child wearing a seatbelt was found in the backseat of the car. Turner's girlfriend was also in the car. She later told police that during the chase, she told Turner he should stop the car and run on foot so she and her child would be safe.On October 10, Turner pled guilty to flee and elude and endangering a child. Turner had one 2019 conviction in Sedgwick County for criminal possession of a weapon by a felon. On January 21, he was placed on parole.

Kan. man sentenced for police chase with child in car

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Kansas City man who caused a fatal collision while fleeing from police has been sentenced to 18 years in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder, the Jackson County Prosecutor's office said.

Miguel Ayala, 33, also pleaded guilty Monday to resisting arrest and driving while intoxicated.

Prosecutors said Ayala fled from police on Feb. 19 after a woman reported that he tried to hit her with his car. During the chase, he went through an intersection and hit another vehicle.

The driver of that car, 38-year-old Rebecca White of Raytown, and her 3-year-old daughter, were seriously injured. White later&nbsp;died&nbsp;from her injuries.

Court documents indicate Ayala had a blood-alcohol content of .347 after the crash and said he was too drunk to remember what happened.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582544919743.png" alt="Ayala-photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Ayala-photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Kansas City man who caused a fatal collision while fleeing from police has been sentenced to 18 years in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder, the Jackson County Prosecutor's office said.Miguel Ayala, 33, also pleaded guilty Monday to resisting arrest and driving while intoxicated.Prosecutors said Ayala fled from police on Feb. 19 after a woman reported that he tried to hit her with his car. During the chase, he went through an intersection and hit another vehicle.The driver of that car, 38-year-old Rebecca White of Raytown, and her 3-year-old daughter, were seriously injured. White later&nbsp;died&nbsp;from her injuries.Court documents indicate Ayala had a blood-alcohol content of .347 after the crash and said he was too drunk to remember what happened.

Fatal KC crash during chase killed mother of 3-year-old

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects after a traffic stop on a stolen vehicle.

Just after 3:30 a.m. Monday, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on a 2010 Toyota Corolla in the 1600 block of SW 72nd Terrace, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. 

The Toyota was reported stolen through the Topeka Police Department. 

Deputies arrested a passenger in the vehicle identified as Phil A. Davis, Sr.,67, of Topeka, a passenger, on a felony narcotics warrant and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections.

Another passenger, Philtasha T. Powell, 24, of Topeka, was booked into jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605095150325.png" alt="Davis photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Davis photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects after a traffic stop on a stolen vehicle.Just after 3:30 a.m. Monday, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on a 2010 Toyota Corolla in the 1600 block of SW 72nd Terrace, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. The Toyota was reported stolen through the Topeka Police Department. Deputies arrested a passenger in the vehicle identified as Phil A. Davis, Sr.,67, of Topeka, a passenger, on a felony narcotics warrant and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605095302732.png" alt="Powell photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Powell photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Another passenger, Philtasha T. Powell, 24, of Topeka, was booked into jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Sheriff arrests passengers after car reported stolen in Kansas

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon for alleged domestic violence and kidnapping charges after an incident Monday.

On Monday, police were sent to Salina Regional Health Center to speak with a woman who allegedly had been injured in domestic incident, according to&nbsp; Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.

The woman told police she was in her apartment at 2130 East Crawford Street when her boyfriend, Clarence Brown, 34, of Salina, accused her of having cameras in the apartment. Brown then allegedly began physically battering her and prevented the woman from leaving the apartment and proceeded to strangle her, according to Forrester.

The woman told police that she eventually was locked in a closet, but finally was able to convince Brown to open the closet, at which time she ran outside.

Brown allegedly caught her and was restraining her when a witness stopped a vehicle nearby. The woman was able to run to the vehicle and get in, according to Forrester.

The woman had injuries consistent with her reported abuse and police arrested on&nbsp;requested charges of Aggravated domestic violence battery, Aggravated kidnapping and Domestic violence battery.

Brown spent nearly 8-years in prison for battery against City/County Corr Officer/Employee that occurred in 2005, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605018494589.jpeg" alt="Brown has a previous conviction for battery, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Brown has a previous conviction for battery, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon for alleged domestic violence and kidnapping charges after an incident Monday.On Monday, police were sent to Salina Regional Health Center to speak with a woman who allegedly had been injured in domestic incident, according to&nbsp; Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.The woman told police she was in her apartment at 2130 East Crawford Street when her boyfriend, Clarence Brown, 34, of Salina, accused her of having cameras in the apartment. Brown then allegedly began physically battering her and prevented the woman from leaving the apartment and proceeded to strangle her, according to Forrester.The woman told police that she eventually was locked in a closet, but finally was able to convince Brown to open the closet, at which time she ran outside.Brown allegedly caught her and was restraining her when a witness stopped a vehicle nearby. The woman was able to run to the vehicle and get in, according to Forrester.The woman had injuries consistent with her reported abuse and police arrested on&nbsp;requested charges of Aggravated domestic violence battery, Aggravated kidnapping and Domestic violence battery.Brown spent nearly 8-years in prison for battery against City/County Corr Officer/Employee that occurred in 2005, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Police: Witness arrives, helps Kan. woman during attack

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas man charged with capital murder in the deaths of his two sons will remain jailed without bond.

A Leavenworth County judge ordered Donald R. Jackson Jr. held without bond during his first court appearance.

Jackson, 40, is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/leavenworth-oklahoma-kansas-4f619ac3b5fc3d46e2030cae5fb462f0">charged</a>&nbsp;with capital murder in the deaths of 12-year-old Austin Jackson and 14-year-old Logan Jackson, whose bodies were found at their home in Leavenworth on Oct. 24.

Authorities allege Jackson then fled his two young daughters, who were with him when he was arrested in Oklahoma.

Jackson was returned to Kansas on Thursday, Leavenworth County Undersheriff Jim Sherley said.

Jackson’s next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 16.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604955301552.png" alt="Jackson is now being held in Leavenworth County" />
 <figcaption>Jackson is now being held in Leavenworth County</figcaption>
 </figure>LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas man charged with capital murder in the deaths of his two sons will remain jailed without bond.A Leavenworth County judge ordered Donald R. Jackson Jr. held without bond during his first court appearance.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603742787603.png" alt="The Jackson children- photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>The Jackson children- photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>Jackson, 40, is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/leavenworth-oklahoma-kansas-4f619ac3b5fc3d46e2030cae5fb462f0">charged</a>&nbsp;with capital murder in the deaths of 12-year-old Austin Jackson and 14-year-old Logan Jackson, whose bodies were found at their home in Leavenworth on Oct. 24.Authorities allege Jackson then fled his two young daughters, who were with him when he was arrested in Oklahoma.Jackson was returned to Kansas on Thursday, Leavenworth County Undersheriff Jim Sherley said.Jackson’s next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 16.

Murder suspect in Amber Alert returned to Kansas jail

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas woman arrested Wednesday in connection with an injury accident in June made her first court appearance Thursday.

&nbsp; Aubriana Wilburn, 20, of Wichita,&nbsp; was charged with attempted 1st degree murder and aggravated battery, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney.&nbsp;

Just before 1p.m. on June 22, officers responded to an injury accident in the 1600 block of South Glendale in Wichita, according to Davidson. 

At the scene, officers contacted a 33-year-old male victim with serious injuries. He was transported to an area hospital for medical treatment.

An investigation revealed Wilburn was driving a 2003 Ford Focus and was backing out of a parking stall at a business at Harry and Oliver in Wichita. The victim was walking through the parking lot of the business and was almost struck by the vehicle. 

A disturbance then ensued between the victim, Wilburn and a passenger inside of the Focus.

During the disturbance, Wilburn intentionally drove the car toward the victim, striking him, and dragging him approximately 1 ½ blocks, before fleeing from the scene. 

Investigators learned of Wilburn's involvement through the investigation. She remains jailed on a $150,000 bond and is due back in court Nov. 12, according to the district attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604590244885.png" alt="WILBURN-photo Sedgwick County." />
 <figcaption>WILBURN-photo Sedgwick County.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas woman arrested Wednesday in connection with an injury accident in June made her first court appearance Thursday.&nbsp; Aubriana Wilburn, 20, of Wichita,&nbsp; was charged with attempted 1st degree murder and aggravated battery, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney.&nbsp;Just before 1p.m. on June 22, officers responded to an injury accident in the 1600 block of South Glendale in Wichita, according to Davidson. At the scene, officers contacted a 33-year-old male victim with serious injuries. He was transported to an area hospital for medical treatment.An investigation revealed Wilburn was driving a 2003 Ford Focus and was backing out of a parking stall at a business at Harry and Oliver in Wichita. The victim was walking through the parking lot of the business and was almost struck by the vehicle. A disturbance then ensued between the victim, Wilburn and a passenger inside of the Focus.During the disturbance, Wilburn intentionally drove the car toward the victim, striking him, and dragging him approximately 1 ½ blocks, before fleeing from the scene. Investigators learned of Wilburn's involvement through the investigation. She remains jailed on a $150,000 bond and is due back in court Nov. 12, according to the district attorney's office.

Kan. woman  charged with attempted-murder for dragging man with car

BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a case of alleged animal cruelty.

Just after 5:30p.m. November 4, deputies were dispatched to a residence in Susank, Kansas for report of animal cruelty, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir.

 Witnesses at the scene guided deputies to a Dalmatian in a kennel that had been stabbed to death. At least one Susank resident witnessed the incident and pulled the suspect off the animal, according to Bellendir.

Sheriff’s deputies were advised a neighbor identified as Christopher B. Delauder, 32, Susank was the perpetrator. Within a short time Delauder approached the deputies and admitted to killing the dog. He had no explanation as to what prompted him to do so.

Investigation at the scene indicates the dog was in its kennel at its owner’s residence when Delauder entered the kennel and stabbed it at least eight times.

 Delauder was arrested at the scene for felony cruelty to animals and criminal trespass. He was transported to the Barton County Jail where he has since posted a $2500 bond.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604958265091.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Delauder photo Barton Co." />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Delauder photo Barton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a case of alleged animal cruelty.Just after 5:30p.m. November 4, deputies were dispatched to a residence in Susank, Kansas for report of animal cruelty, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir. Witnesses at the scene guided deputies to a Dalmatian in a kennel that had been stabbed to death. At least one Susank resident witnessed the incident and pulled the suspect off the animal, according to Bellendir.Sheriff’s deputies were advised a neighbor identified as Christopher B. Delauder, 32, Susank was the perpetrator. Within a short time Delauder approached the deputies and admitted to killing the dog. He had no explanation as to what prompted him to do so.Investigation at the scene indicates the dog was in its kennel at its owner’s residence when Delauder entered the kennel and stabbed it at least eight times. Delauder was arrested at the scene for felony cruelty to animals and criminal trespass. He was transported to the Barton County Jail where he has since posted a $2500 bond.&nbsp;

Sheriff: Rural Kan. man admits stabbing dog to death

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an&nbsp;alleged attempted break-in at a north Salina motel late Sunday night.

Just before midnight, officers were dispatched for the report of a robbery in progress at the Budget King Motel, 809 North Broadway. The suspect was described by the victims as a Hispanic male wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt, brown pants, and carrying a brown long gun, according to&nbsp;Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester. The victims advised the officers that the suspect had attempted to break into the office area of the motel.

Officer arrived and located a a suspect later identified as Juan Bustamante-Espinoza, 27, of Salina, wearing clothing that matched the description.

After a brief struggle, officers arrested Bustamante-Espinoza and later located a gun matching the description provided by the victims and some missing hand tools that were taken from the motel office area in the suspect's vehicle and room.

Bustamante-Espinoza is being held on requested charges of aggravated burglary, interference with law enforcement, theft, damage to property, criminal use of a weapon and battery of a law enforcement officer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604933859743.jpeg" alt="Juan Bustamante-Espinoza-&nbsp;Photo Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Juan Bustamante-Espinoza-&nbsp;Photo Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an&nbsp;alleged attempted break-in at a north Salina motel late Sunday night.Just before midnight, officers were dispatched for the report of a robbery in progress at the Budget King Motel, 809 North Broadway. The suspect was described by the victims as a Hispanic male wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt, brown pants, and carrying a brown long gun, according to&nbsp;Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester. The victims advised the officers that the suspect had attempted to break into the office area of the motel.Officer arrived and located a a suspect later identified as Juan Bustamante-Espinoza, 27, of Salina, wearing clothing that matched the description.After a brief struggle, officers arrested Bustamante-Espinoza and later located a gun matching the description provided by the victims and some missing hand tools that were taken from the motel office area in the suspect's vehicle and room.Bustamante-Espinoza is being held on requested charges of aggravated burglary, interference with law enforcement, theft, damage to property, criminal use of a weapon and battery of a law enforcement officer.

Police: Kan. man carried long gun during motel burglary

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas man convicted of aggravated sexual battery; intentional touching is charged with failure to register as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, according to the United State's Attorney.

Jorge Aaron Valdez-Torres, 27, Wichita, is alleged to have committed the crime from May 2018 to July 2020 in Sedgwick County.&nbsp; The Kansas Department of Corrections issued a warrant for his arrest in August.

If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The U.S. Marshals Service investigated.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604521610174.png" alt="Valdez-Torres -photo Cherokee Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Valdez-Torres -photo Cherokee Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas man convicted of aggravated sexual battery; intentional touching is charged with failure to register as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, according to the United State's Attorney.Jorge Aaron Valdez-Torres, 27, Wichita, is alleged to have committed the crime from May 2018 to July 2020 in Sedgwick County.&nbsp; The Kansas Department of Corrections issued a warrant for his arrest in August.If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The U.S. Marshals Service investigated.&nbsp;

Kansas felon failed to register as a sex offender 

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting in the 200 block of Riley Avenue in Ogden.

Just before 11:30p.m. police responded to a report of shots fired in the 200 block of Riley Ave. in Ogden, according to a media release.

 When officers and Riley County EMS personnel arrived on scene, they found two adult male victims with apparent gunshot wounds. Two additional victims arrived at area hospitals with apparent gunshot wounds. 

Officers listed 19, 23, 27, and 28-year-old males as the victims when it was reported an unknown suspect fired multiple shots, striking all four victims. 

The 19 and 23-year-old victims were in critical condition when they were transported to Stormont Vail. The 27-year-old victim was also transported to Stormont Vail for treatment of non-life threatening injuries, while the 28-year-old victim was treated for non-life threatening injuries at an area hospital.

&nbsp;Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to please contact RCPD at (785) 537-2112 or County Crime Stoppers at (785) 539-7777. Using the Crime Stoppers service can allow you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.00.

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting in the&nbsp;200 block of Riley Avenue in Ogden.

Just after 11p.m. Saturday as officers and Riley County EMS personnel arrived on scene they found two adult male victims suffering from apparent gun shot wounds, according to the Riley County Police Department.

 Both victims were transported to Stormont Vail in Topeka for treatment of their injuries. Two additional victims are also being treated at area hospitals, according to the RCPD.&nbsp; Police have not reported an arrest or additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604841262322.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation early Sunday photo courteys WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation early Sunday photo courteys WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting in the 200 block of Riley Avenue in Ogden.Just before 11:30p.m. police responded to a report of shots fired in the 200 block of Riley Ave. in Ogden, according to a media release. When officers and Riley County EMS personnel arrived on scene, they found two adult male victims with apparent gunshot wounds. Two additional victims arrived at area hospitals with apparent gunshot wounds. Officers listed 19, 23, 27, and 28-year-old males as the victims when it was reported an unknown suspect fired multiple shots, striking all four victims. The 19 and 23-year-old victims were in critical condition when they were transported to Stormont Vail. The 27-year-old victim was also transported to Stormont Vail for treatment of non-life threatening injuries, while the 28-year-old victim was treated for non-life threatening injuries at an area hospital.&nbsp;Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to please contact RCPD at (785) 537-2112 or County Crime Stoppers at (785) 539-7777. Using the Crime Stoppers service can allow you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.00.----------RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting in the&nbsp;200 block of Riley Avenue in Ogden. 
Just after 11p.m. Saturday as officers and Riley County EMS personnel arrived on scene they found two adult male victims suffering from apparent gun shot wounds, according to the Riley County Police Department. Both victims were transported to Stormont Vail in Topeka for treatment of their injuries. Two additional victims are also being treated at area hospitals, according to the RCPD.&nbsp; Police have not reported an arrest or additional details.

Update: 4 hospitalized after shooting in Ogden

A nationwide push to relax drug laws took a significant step forward Tuesday as five more states legalized marijuana for adults and voters made Oregon the first state to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of street drugs such as cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine.

The drug measures were among 120 proposed state laws and constitutional amendments that were on the ballot in 32 states. They touched on an array of issues that have roiled politics in recent years — voting rights, racial inequalities, abortion, taxes and education, to name a few.

But none directly dealt with the dominant theme of 2020 — the coronavirus pandemic. That’s because the process to put measures on the ballot began, in most cases, before the virus surged to the forefront.

The Oregon drug initiative will allow people arrested with small amounts of hard drugs to avoid going to trial, and possible jail time, by paying a $100 fine and attending an addiction recovery program. The treatment centers will be funded by revenues from legalized marijuana, which was approved in Oregon several years ago.

“Today’s victory is a landmark declaration that the time has come to stop criminalizing people for drug use,” said Kassandra Frederique, executive director of the Drug Policy Alliance, which backed the measure.

The proposal was endorsed by the Oregon Democratic Party, as well as some nurses and physician associations. The Oregon Republican Party had denounced the drug decriminalization measure as radical, and some prosecutors called it reckless.

Oregon voters also approved a measure making the state the first to legalize the therapeutic use of psychedelic mushrooms.

Voters in New Jersey and Arizona approved measures legalizing marijuana for adults age 21 and older. In New Jersey, the Legislature now will have to pass another measure setting up the new marijuana marketplace. The Arizona measure also allows people convicted of certain marijuana crimes to seek expungement of their records. The passage of the measure signaled a change of attitudes, after Arizona voters narrowly defeated a legal pot proposal in 2016.

South Dakota on Tuesday became the first state where voters authorized both recreational marijuana and medical marijuana via two separate initiatives in the same election. The legalization of recreational marijuana was approved by voters in Montana, and medical marijuana won approval in Mississippi.

A decade ago, recreational marijuana was illegal in all 50 states. Voters allowed it in Colorado and Washington in 2012, sparking a movement that already included 11 states and Washington, D.C., heading into Tuesday’s elections. Supporters hope additional victories, especially in conservative states, could build pressure for Congress to legalize marijuana nationwide.

Two states considered anti-abortion amendments with different results.

Louisiana voters passed a measure asserting there is no state constitutional right to abortion — something that could come into play if the U.S. Supreme Court overturns its Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion nationwide.

In Colorado, by contrast, voters defeated a measure to prohibit abortions after 22 weeks unless the pregnant woman’s life is endangered. Previous Colorado ballot initiatives to limit abortion also failed in 2008, 2010 and 2014.

Several states considered measures affecting voting rights.

Virginia voters passed a constitutional amendment taking power away from members of the Democratic-led Legislature to draw voting districts for themselves and members of Congress based on census results. It instead will create a bipartisan commission of lawmakers and citizens to develop a redistricting plan that the Legislature could approve or reject, but not change.

Virginia is the sixth state in the past two general election cycles to pass measures intended to prevent gerrymandering — a process in which politicians draw voting districts to benefit themselves or their political parties.

Voters in Missouri, who passed a redistricting reform measure in 2018, decided Tuesday to roll back key parts of it before it could be used next year. They passed a measure placed on the ballot by the Republican-led Legislature to repeal a nationally unique model that would have used a nonpartisan demographer to draw state House and Senate districts to achieve “partisan fairness” and “competitiveness.” The measure instead returns those duties to bipartisan commissions and drops “partisan fairness” and “competitiveness” to the end of the priority list.

In Florida, voters approved a measure gradually increasing the minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2026. The measure puts Florida in line with at least seven other states — California, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York — and Washington, D.C., which already have enacted laws to gradually boost the minimum wage to $15 an hour.

In Mississippi, voters approved a proposal for a new state flag with a magnolia design. The vote came after legislators in June ended the use of a flag bearing a Confederate battle emblem. In Rhode Island, whose official name is “Rhode Island and Providence Plantations,” a proposal was leading to eliminate the final three words, which some say evoke a legacy of slavery.

Tax proposals were on the ballot in more than a dozen states. Tobacco tax hikes passed in Colorado and Oregon. Colorado voters also approved a slight income tax cut. Proposals to charge higher income taxes on the wealthy were trailing in Illinois but leading in Arizona, where the new revenue would fund pay raises for teachers and other school personnel. A California property tax increase on businesses remained close.

In California, Uber, Lyft and other app-based ride-hailing and delivery services prevailed in their expensive fight to keep drivers classified as independent contractors. The ballot initiative pitted the powerhouses of the so-called gig economy, including DoorDash, Postmates and Instacart, against labor unions. It was the most expensive California ballot measure ever — more than $220 million was spent, most by the gig companies.

The measure creates an exemption to a state law that would have made drivers eligible for benefits that come with being company employees. San Francisco-based Uber and Lyft had threatened to pull out of California if they lost.

Among the many California ballot proposals was one to repeal a 1996 initiative that prohibits affirmative action programs granting preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin in public employment, education or contracting. It was trailing in the polls.

By DAVID A. LIEB, Associated PressA nationwide push to relax drug laws took a significant step forward Tuesday as five more states legalized marijuana for adults and voters made Oregon the first state to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of street drugs such as cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine.The drug measures were among 120 proposed state laws and constitutional amendments that were on the ballot in 32 states. They touched on an array of issues that have roiled politics in recent years — voting rights, racial inequalities, abortion, taxes and education, to name a few.But none directly dealt with the dominant theme of 2020 — the coronavirus pandemic. That’s because the process to put measures on the ballot began, in most cases, before the virus surged to the forefront.The Oregon drug initiative will allow people arrested with small amounts of hard drugs to avoid going to trial, and possible jail time, by paying a $100 fine and attending an addiction recovery program. The treatment centers will be funded by revenues from legalized marijuana, which was approved in Oregon several years ago.“Today’s victory is a landmark declaration that the time has come to stop criminalizing people for drug use,” said Kassandra Frederique, executive director of the Drug Policy Alliance, which backed the measure.The proposal was endorsed by the Oregon Democratic Party, as well as some nurses and physician associations. The Oregon Republican Party had denounced the drug decriminalization measure as radical, and some prosecutors called it reckless.Oregon voters also approved a measure making the state the first to legalize the therapeutic use of psychedelic mushrooms.Voters in New Jersey and Arizona approved measures legalizing marijuana for adults age 21 and older. In New Jersey, the Legislature now will have to pass another measure setting up the new marijuana marketplace. The Arizona measure also allows people convicted of certain marijuana crimes to seek expungement of their records. The passage of the measure signaled a change of attitudes, after Arizona voters narrowly defeated a legal pot proposal in 2016.South Dakota on Tuesday became the first state where voters authorized both recreational marijuana and medical marijuana via two separate initiatives in the same election. The legalization of recreational marijuana was approved by voters in Montana, and medical marijuana won approval in Mississippi.A decade ago, recreational marijuana was illegal in all 50 states. Voters allowed it in Colorado and Washington in 2012, sparking a movement that already included 11 states and Washington, D.C., heading into Tuesday’s elections. Supporters hope additional victories, especially in conservative states, could build pressure for Congress to legalize marijuana nationwide.Two states considered anti-abortion amendments with different results.Louisiana voters passed a measure asserting there is no state constitutional right to abortion — something that could come into play if the U.S. Supreme Court overturns its Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion nationwide.In Colorado, by contrast, voters defeated a measure to prohibit abortions after 22 weeks unless the pregnant woman’s life is endangered. Previous Colorado ballot initiatives to limit abortion also failed in 2008, 2010 and 2014.Several states considered measures affecting voting rights.Virginia voters passed a constitutional amendment taking power away from members of the Democratic-led Legislature to draw voting districts for themselves and members of Congress based on census results. It instead will create a bipartisan commission of lawmakers and citizens to develop a redistricting plan that the Legislature could approve or reject, but not change.Virginia is the sixth state in the past two general election cycles to pass measures intended to prevent gerrymandering — a process in which politicians draw voting districts to benefit themselves or their political parties.Voters in Missouri, who passed a redistricting reform measure in 2018, decided Tuesday to roll back key parts of it before it could be used next year. They passed a measure placed on the ballot by the Republican-led Legislature to repeal a nationally unique model that would have used a nonpartisan demographer to draw state House and Senate districts to achieve “partisan fairness” and “competitiveness.” The measure instead returns those duties to bipartisan commissions and drops “partisan fairness” and “competitiveness” to the end of the priority list.In Florida, voters approved a measure gradually increasing the minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2026. The measure puts Florida in line with at least seven other states — California, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York — and Washington, D.C., which already have enacted laws to gradually boost the minimum wage to $15 an hour.In Mississippi, voters approved a proposal for a new state flag with a magnolia design. The vote came after legislators in June ended the use of a flag bearing a Confederate battle emblem. In Rhode Island, whose official name is “Rhode Island and Providence Plantations,” a proposal was leading to eliminate the final three words, which some say evoke a legacy of slavery.Tax proposals were on the ballot in more than a dozen states. Tobacco tax hikes passed in Colorado and Oregon. Colorado voters also approved a slight income tax cut. Proposals to charge higher income taxes on the wealthy were trailing in Illinois but leading in Arizona, where the new revenue would fund pay raises for teachers and other school personnel. A California property tax increase on businesses remained close.In California, Uber, Lyft and other app-based ride-hailing and delivery services prevailed in their expensive fight to keep drivers classified as independent contractors. The ballot initiative pitted the powerhouses of the so-called gig economy, including DoorDash, Postmates and Instacart, against labor unions. It was the most expensive California ballot measure ever — more than $220 million was spent, most by the gig companies.The measure creates an exemption to a state law that would have made drivers eligible for benefits that come with being company employees. San Francisco-based Uber and Lyft had threatened to pull out of California if they lost.Among the many California ballot proposals was one to repeal a 1996 initiative that prohibits affirmative action programs granting preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin in public employment, education or contracting. It was trailing in the polls.___

America's drug war on the brink; states vote to relax drug laws 

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Police said a teenage driver was fatally shot Sunday morning in Kansas City, Kansas. The shooting was discovered after the victim’s vehicle crashed into a parked vehicle around 6 a.m. Sunday. 

The Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department said the driver, who was in his late teens, was shot while he was driving in eastern Kansas City, Kansas. 

The victim wasn’t immediately identified and no arrests were reported Sunday morning. The Kansas City Star reports that this shooting was the 47th homicide of the year in Kansas City, Kansas. At the same time last year, 28 homicides had been reported in the city.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Police said a teenage driver was fatally shot Sunday morning in Kansas City, Kansas. The shooting was discovered after the victim’s vehicle crashed into a parked vehicle around 6 a.m. Sunday. The Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department said the driver, who was in his late teens, was shot while he was driving in eastern Kansas City, Kansas. The victim wasn’t immediately identified and no arrests were reported Sunday morning. The Kansas City Star reports that this shooting was the 47th homicide of the year in Kansas City, Kansas. At the same time last year, 28 homicides had been reported in the city.

Teen fatally shot while driving in Kansas City, Kansas

HUTCHINSON —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged sex crime involving a juvenile and have made an arrest.

Just after 12:30 p.m. Friday, members of the Hutchinson Police Department Special Operations and Investigations Bureau completed their investigation, according to a media release and arrested 37-year-old Dylan Carey on requested charges Indecent Solicitation of a child, Sexual Exploitation of a Child, and Electronic Solicitation.&nbsp; He has previous convictions for aggravated battery and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.&nbsp; He was released from prison in July.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604761509795.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged sex crime involving a juvenile and have made an arrest.Just after 12:30 p.m. Friday, members of the Hutchinson Police Department Special Operations and Investigations Bureau completed their investigation, according to a media release and arrested 37-year-old Dylan Carey on requested charges Indecent Solicitation of a child, Sexual Exploitation of a Child, and Electronic Solicitation.&nbsp; He has previous convictions for aggravated battery and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.&nbsp; He was released from prison in July.

Kan. man out of prison 4-months jailed for alleged child sex crime

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Kansas City man has been sentenced to 26 years in prison for killing a Christian missionary from China and wounding two others while high on PCP.

Curtrail Hudson, 20, was sentenced Thursday in Jackson County Circuit Court, the Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article247006287.html">reported</a>. A jury found Hudson&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/6617e027fb01fc40b70928ae76704dfa">guilty&nbsp;</a>in February of second-degree murder and five other charges in the April 2018 shooting that killed 38-year-old Xindong Hao.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581455902609.png" alt="Hudson photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Hudson photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Kansas City man has been sentenced to 26 years in prison for killing a Christian missionary from China and wounding two others while high on PCP.Curtrail Hudson, 20, was sentenced Thursday in Jackson County Circuit Court, the Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article247006287.html">reported</a>. A jury found Hudson&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/6617e027fb01fc40b70928ae76704dfa">guilty&nbsp;</a>in February of second-degree murder and five other charges in the April 2018 shooting that killed 38-year-old Xindong Hao.Hao arrived in the city with his wife and four young children shortly before the shooting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/202e492475224211bdd485fc5bba60cc">to join fellow missionaries</a>&nbsp;at the International House of Prayer. The evangelical group’s headquarters is near the scene of the shooting. Investigators have said Hao was walking when he encountered Hudson, then 18, who was randomly shooting at people. Two other people were wounded before Hudson was arrested.Hudson told police he believed Hao was an accomplice of another man he’d been arguing with moments before.Hudson's defense attorney had argued at trial that Hudson had smoked a marijuana cigarette without knowing it had been dipped in PCP and was “in a state of psychosis" when the shooting occurred.