KANSAS CITY (AP) —A man has been charged in an April 2019 shooting death in Kansas City based on DNA and ballistics evidence.

Thirty-two-year-old Brandon Hill, of Independence, Mo., was charged Friday with second-degree murder and armed criminal action in the death of 40-year-old Derrick White, whose body was found in a vehicle.

Prosecutors allege that DNA taken from the door handle of the vehicle was later matched to Hill, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article242947306.html">reports</a>.

When he was arrested in March in a separate incident he was in possession of a handgun that police believe was loaned to the victim weeks before his death. A bullet found in White’s body also was determined to have been fired by the same handgun, prosecutors said.

Hill remains in federal custody in a separate case, according to prosecutors. He was indicted in April 2019 on a charge of being a felon in possession of firearms, court records show.

Bond has been set at $250,000 in the Jackson County case. An attorney for Hill has not yet been listed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590321595756.png" alt="Hill- photo MODOC" />
 <figcaption>Hill- photo MODOC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) —A man has been charged in an April 2019 shooting death in Kansas City based on DNA and ballistics evidence.Thirty-two-year-old Brandon Hill, of Independence, Mo., was charged Friday with second-degree murder and armed criminal action in the death of 40-year-old Derrick White, whose body was found in a vehicle.Prosecutors allege that DNA taken from the door handle of the vehicle was later matched to Hill, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article242947306.html">reports</a>.When he was arrested in March in a separate incident he was in possession of a handgun that police believe was loaned to the victim weeks before his death. A bullet found in White’s body also was determined to have been fired by the same handgun, prosecutors said.Hill remains in federal custody in a separate case, according to prosecutors. He was indicted in April 2019 on a charge of being a felon in possession of firearms, court records show.Bond has been set at $250,000 in the Jackson County case. An attorney for Hill has not yet been listed.

DNA, ballistics link man to April 2019 Kansas City killing

KANSAS CITY– A Nogales, Arizona, man pleaded guilty in federal court Friday to his role in a conspiracy to transport large amounts of fentanyl through Kansas City en route to New York City aboard passenger busses, according to the United State's Attorney's office.

Alejandro Rocha, also known as Alejandro Teran, 21, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to participating in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.

By pleading guilty, Rocha admitted that, on two separate occasions, he attempted to transport more than three kilograms of fentanyl through Kansas City en route to New York City.

Rocha admitted that he gave more than three kilograms of fentanyl to his girlfriend, Esmeralda Castro, 21, of Perris, California, to carry aboard a bus to New York City. Three fentanyl bricks were placed in a false compartment inside a rolling bag. Castro, who has also pleaded guilty, was arrested at a Kansas City bus station on May 8, 2017, after a police service canine alerted to the bag.

Rocha also admitted that he gave another person 3.6 kilograms of fentanyl to carry aboard a bus from Denver, Colorado, to New York City. However, the bag became separated from the courier at some point on the bus trip. The bag arrived unaccompanied at a Kansas City bus station, where it was intercepted by police.&nbsp;

Under federal statutes, Rocha is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of up to 40 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590263513905.png" alt="Rocha" />
 <figcaption>Rocha</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY– A Nogales, Arizona, man pleaded guilty in federal court Friday to his role in a conspiracy to transport large amounts of fentanyl through Kansas City en route to New York City aboard passenger busses, according to the United State's Attorney's office.Alejandro Rocha, also known as Alejandro Teran, 21, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to participating in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.By pleading guilty, Rocha admitted that, on two separate occasions, he attempted to transport more than three kilograms of fentanyl through Kansas City en route to New York City.Rocha admitted that he gave more than three kilograms of fentanyl to his girlfriend, Esmeralda Castro, 21, of Perris, California, to carry aboard a bus to New York City. Three fentanyl bricks were placed in a false compartment inside a rolling bag. Castro, who has also pleaded guilty, was arrested at a Kansas City bus station on May 8, 2017, after a police service canine alerted to the bag.Rocha also admitted that he gave another person 3.6 kilograms of fentanyl to carry aboard a bus from Denver, Colorado, to New York City. However, the bag became separated from the courier at some point on the bus trip. The bag arrived unaccompanied at a Kansas City bus station, where it was intercepted by police.&nbsp;Under federal statutes, Rocha is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of up to 40 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

Man pleads guilty to transporting fentanyl through KC to New York

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after an arrest.

Just before 4:30 p.m. Friday, police&nbsp;responded to the 2000 block of SW Gage in Topeka on a report of a possible aggravated battery, according to Lt. Jerry Monasmith.

 On arrival, officers located a victim at a nearby location suffering from what appeared to be a non-life threatening injury. The victim was transported by ambulance to a local hospital for medical treatment.

The active investigation resulted in the arrest of Charles Steele, 29, for Aggravated Battery. 

Steele has previous convictions that include battery of law enforcement officer, criminal threat, burglary, theft, criminal discharge of a firearm and intent remove/disable electronic monitor equipment, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590411313590.png" alt="Steele photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Steele photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after an arrest.Just before 4:30 p.m. Friday, police&nbsp;responded to the 2000 block of SW Gage in Topeka on a report of a possible aggravated battery, according to Lt. Jerry Monasmith. On arrival, officers located a victim at a nearby location suffering from what appeared to be a non-life threatening injury. The victim was transported by ambulance to a local hospital for medical treatment.The active investigation resulted in the arrest of Charles Steele, 29, for Aggravated Battery. Steele has previous convictions that include battery of law enforcement officer, criminal threat, burglary, theft, criminal discharge of a firearm and intent remove/disable electronic monitor equipment, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Kan. felon with history of violence jailed for alleged attack

NEW CAMBRIA, Mo. (AP) — Police in northern Missouri have arrested a New Cambria man accused of stealing a dozen beehives over four counties.

Ricky Elam was arrested Wednesday following the execution of a search warrant near his home that turned up the stolen beehives. Authorities in Macon, Linn, Schuyler and Randolph counties said they had fielded numerous reports of stolen hives over the last year.

The search warrant was issued after a beekeeper in Macon County installed a GPS tracker in one of his hives after experiencing a theft, authorities said. On Wednesday, that hive was stolen and traced to Elam’s property, according to deputies.

Elam was charged Thursday with one count of felony stealing, two counts of felony receiving stolen property and four counts of misdemeanor receiving stolen property. He was being held in the Macon County Jail on $15,000 cash-only bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590182637388.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Elam photo Macon Co.NEW CAMBRIA, Mo. (AP) — Police in northern Missouri have arrested a New Cambria man accused of stealing a dozen beehives over four counties.Ricky Elam was arrested Wednesday following the execution of a search warrant near his home that turned up the stolen beehives. Authorities in Macon, Linn, Schuyler and Randolph counties said they had fielded numerous reports of stolen hives over the last year.The search warrant was issued after a beekeeper in Macon County installed a GPS tracker in one of his hives after experiencing a theft, authorities said. On Wednesday, that hive was stolen and traced to Elam’s property, according to deputies.Elam was charged Thursday with one count of felony stealing, two counts of felony receiving stolen property and four counts of misdemeanor receiving stolen property. He was being held in the Macon County Jail on $15,000 cash-only bond.

Man arrested, accused of stealing beehives

SHAWNEE COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects after a Friday standoff in Topeka.

Just after 2 a.m. Friday, sheriff's deputies responded to a disturbance in the 3100 block of NW Rochester Road, according to Shawnee County Deputy Shayna Anderson.

Following an argument, a suspect shot several rounds towards the house while driving away in a vehicle. No one was injured. The suspect vehicle was later found in the Oakland neighborhood of Topeka but the suspect&nbsp;later identified as 24-year-old Trey G. Martinez of Topeka fled.

At 7:45a.m., deputies attempted to arrest Martinez at a residence in the 700 block of NE Sumner Street in Topeka. The SWAT team and crisis negotiators were called to the scene. They were able to talk four other individuals out of the house but Martinez remained inside. Shortly after noon he was placed into custody and transported to the Law Enforcement Center for questioning. Authorities have not released the charges against him.

Two of the other individuals inside the house were placed into custody following this incident. Anthony A. Weems, 22, and Michael L. Frederick, 22, both of Topeka were arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections for felony interference with law enforcement. Frederick also had misdemeanor warrants.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590249094319.png" alt="Martinez -photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Martinez -photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects after a Friday standoff in Topeka.Just after 2 a.m. Friday, sheriff's deputies responded to a disturbance in the 3100 block of NW Rochester Road, according to Shawnee County Deputy Shayna Anderson.Following an argument, a suspect shot several rounds towards the house while driving away in a vehicle. No one was injured. The suspect vehicle was later found in the Oakland neighborhood of Topeka but the suspect&nbsp;later identified as 24-year-old Trey G. Martinez of Topeka fled.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590249348325.png" alt="Frederick -photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Frederick -photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>At 7:45a.m., deputies attempted to arrest Martinez at a residence in the 700 block of NE Sumner Street in Topeka. The SWAT team and crisis negotiators were called to the scene. They were able to talk four other individuals out of the house but Martinez remained inside. Shortly after noon he was placed into custody and transported to the Law Enforcement Center for questioning. Authorities have not released the charges against him.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590249195303.png" alt="Weems- Photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Weems- Photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Two of the other individuals inside the house were placed into custody following this incident. Anthony A. Weems, 22, and Michael L. Frederick, 22, both of Topeka were arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections for felony interference with law enforcement. Frederick also had misdemeanor warrants.

Kansas man fired gun toward house after argument

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide and have two suspects in custody.

Just after p.m. 5p.m. Thursday, police responded to a shooting call at an apartment complex near N. West Street and W. 13th&nbsp;Street in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.

Upon arrival, officers located 21-year-old Earnest Jefferson with multiple gunshot wounds.&nbsp; Jefferson was pronounced dead on the scene.&nbsp;

Police also located&nbsp; 19-year-old man in the parking lot with multiple gunshot wounds.&nbsp; He was transported to an area hospital for medical treatment and remained in critical condition Friday.

At approximately 5:40 p.m., 18-year-old Preston Reynolds arrived at a local hospital with a gunshot wound to his leg.&nbsp;&nbsp; Reynolds was treated and released from the hospital and booked into jail, according to Davidson.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The investigation revealed that 20-year-old Missy Barber and Reynolds drove to the apartment complex to conduct a drug transaction with Jefferson and the 19-year-old victim.&nbsp; 

While they were in a vehicle in the parking lot, a disturbance occurred, and shots were fired, injuring Jefferson, the 19-year-old and Reynolds.&nbsp; Reynolds and Barber left the scene in the vehicle.

Investigators were able to learn of Barber’s involvement in the incident. She was located at an apartment complex in the 1700 block of South Glenn and arrested without incident.

Barber and Reynolds are being held on requested charges&nbsp; of 1st-degree murder and aggravated battery, according to Davidson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590164086715.png" alt="Reynolds photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Reynolds photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide and have two suspects in custody.Just after p.m. 5p.m. Thursday, police responded to a shooting call at an apartment complex near N. West Street and W. 13th&nbsp;Street in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.Upon arrival, officers located 21-year-old Earnest Jefferson with multiple gunshot wounds.&nbsp; Jefferson was pronounced dead on the scene.&nbsp;Police also located&nbsp; 19-year-old man in the parking lot with multiple gunshot wounds.&nbsp; He was transported to an area hospital for medical treatment and remained in critical condition Friday.At approximately 5:40 p.m., 18-year-old Preston Reynolds arrived at a local hospital with a gunshot wound to his leg.&nbsp;&nbsp; Reynolds was treated and released from the hospital and booked into jail, according to Davidson.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590164510351.png" alt="Barber" />
 <figcaption>Barber</figcaption>
 </figure>The investigation revealed that 20-year-old Missy Barber and Reynolds drove to the apartment complex to conduct a drug transaction with Jefferson and the 19-year-old victim.&nbsp; While they were in a vehicle in the parking lot, a disturbance occurred, and shots were fired, injuring Jefferson, the 19-year-old and Reynolds.&nbsp; Reynolds and Barber left the scene in the vehicle.Investigators were able to learn of Barber’s involvement in the incident. She was located at an apartment complex in the 1700 block of South Glenn and arrested without incident.Barber and Reynolds are being held on requested charges&nbsp; of 1st-degree murder and aggravated battery, according to Davidson.

Kansas man taken from hospital to jail for fatal shooting

NEW YORK (AP) — President Donald Trump’s declaration that religious services should be “essential” comes at a precarious point in the national balancing act that pits the call of worship against the risk of coronavirus.

Even before Trump’s comments Friday, which came alongside the release of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/faith-based.html" target="_blank">guidance</a>&nbsp;for reopening faith organizations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Christian leaders in several states made plans to welcome back congregants on the week of Pentecost, May 31.

The new CDC guidance could energize houses of worship that might want to reopen their doors, despite evidence of ongoing risk of the virus spreading through communal gatherings. While it suggests steps such as asking congregants to cover their faces and limiting the sharing of worship aids, the CDC document says it is “not meant to regulate or prescribe standards for interactions of faith communities.”

The guidance released Friday is similar to draft guidance drawn up by the CDC more than a month ago but shelved by administration officials. One difference: The earlier version discussed opening in stages, such as video streaming and drive-in services, with later phases allowing in-person gatherings limited in size and with social distancing. The guidance released Friday has no discussion of a phased-in opening.

Tension over when and how to reopen houses of worship has varied depending on the state, as different areas set their own pace for easing pandemic stay-at-home orders. Trump called for the resumption of in-person religious services repeatedly this week and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8a34b6599602dbd751f2c1fcb93387fe">said Friday that</a>&nbsp;he would “override” governors that did not do so, though it’s unclear whether Trump has any authority to supersede state leaders on the issue.

Still, the president’s comments come less than six months ahead of a reelection bid in which turnout from his conservative evangelical Christian base could prove critical. Trump suggested on Thursday that friction over the issue was more common in states run by Democrats because “churches are not being treated with respect” by many their governors.

One of those Democrats, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, was warned this week by Trump’s Justice Department that the state’s phased-in plan to restart economic activity puts an “unfair burden” on worship by not permitting churches to open earlier in the process. More than 1,200 California pastors are planning to restart worship on May 31 despite Newsom’s stay-at-home orders, which he has said would likely allow for religious gatherings within weeks.

Among the California pastors leading the call for resuming in-person gathering is Danny Carroll of Water of Life Community Church in Fontana. State officials “don’t understand that people of faith need contact, that they need to worship together,” Carroll said in an interview. “We’re trying to close the gap – thoughtfully, humbly, nicely.”

Carroll described his effort as disconnected from politics: “We don’t deal with how people vote. We deal with how people live.”

But another pastor involved, Ron Hill of Love and Unity Christian Fellowship, said that he finds “some merit” in Republicans’ claims that blue states have a less keen understanding of religion’s importance in public life.

“I really find it difficult to understand why they’re placing a different rule on the church than on the supermarket, café or restaurant,” said Hill, who added that he had not yet decided whether May 31 would mark the reopening of his church in Compton, Calif.

Pastors in other states, however, have already begun outlining plans to welcome back worshippers in person before the month’s end. Florida’s Rodney Howard-Browne –&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/6a6ffcc32101dd3eee86937202a1c7f2">arrested</a>&nbsp;in March for holding a large in-person service at his church, charges that were later dropped – is preparing to reopen with an outdoor service on Pentecost. Catholic and Lutheran churches in Minnesota have notified that state’s Democratic governor that they plan to resume Mass this week, in defiance of his order.

An evangelical pastor who’s been a key Trump backer, Jack Graham, plans to reopen his Texas megachurch on Pentecost weekend. Attendees of those services will be required to make reservations, but masks will not be mandated, according to the church’s website.

Graham told the Faithwire website this week that Pentecost, considered holy by Christians as the birthday of the church, was a fitting moment for “a kind of rebirth of the church” this year.

The momentum toward restarting in-person worship comes amid new reports of church gatherings spreading COVID-19. A CDC report released this week traced the spread of the virus to 35 out of 92 attendees at two March church events in Arkansas that were attended by two symptomatic people.

“Reopening faith communities, let alone reopening any other faith institutions, is unsafe” given the ongoing threat of spreading illness, said Maggie Siddiqi, director of the faith initiative at the liberal Center for American Progress. “My fear is we will learn the hard way and have to close again.”

While Pentecost promises to escalate the number of churches seeking to reopen, many other houses of worship are still expecting to wait until June or beyond to resume in-person services with restrictions aimed at protecting public health. Another prominent conservative evangelical ally of Trump, Pastor Robert Jeffress, said he is eyeing local metrics and could reopen next month.

Speaking before Trump’s Friday announcement, Jeffress said his Dallas-area megachurch would be “data-driven, instead of date-driven, when it comes to reopening.”

A spokeswoman for the ministry of Paula White-Cain, the pastor who leads Trump’s White House faith initiative, said earlier this week that at the moment Pentecost services at her Florida church were slated to be online-only.

The president, however, has projected eagerness to restart religious services. Trump held a Thursday conference call with 1,600 “pastors and faith leaders” to tout the importance of reopening in-person worship, later saying that deeming liquor stores and abortion clinics essential but not worship was an “injustice.”

Some governors designated faith gatherings as essential services in their states’ pandemic stay-at-home orders, although others restricted them as the virus began to spread.

Ralph Reed, chief of the Faith &amp; Freedom Coalition and another conservative evangelical ally of Trump, said before Trump’s Friday announcement that while Pentecost is “an important marker for the church,” he doesn’t expect most Christian leaders would be “guided particularly by that date” in deciding to reopen.

But Reed lauded the growing push in that direction. “Churches are doing a good job” adapting to necessary public health constraints, he said, “but I do think it’s time for the country to reopen.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590173193204.png" alt="President Trump opened Friday's press briefing with comments on religious services." />
 <figcaption>President Trump opened Friday's press briefing with comments on religious services.</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — President Donald Trump’s declaration that religious services should be “essential” comes at a precarious point in the national balancing act that pits the call of worship against the risk of coronavirus.Even before Trump’s comments Friday, which came alongside the release of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/faith-based.html" target="_blank">guidance</a>&nbsp;for reopening faith organizations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Christian leaders in several states made plans to welcome back congregants on the week of Pentecost, May 31.The new CDC guidance could energize houses of worship that might want to reopen their doors, despite evidence of ongoing risk of the virus spreading through communal gatherings. While it suggests steps such as asking congregants to cover their faces and limiting the sharing of worship aids, the CDC document says it is “not meant to regulate or prescribe standards for interactions of faith communities.”The guidance released Friday is similar to draft guidance drawn up by the CDC more than a month ago but shelved by administration officials. One difference: The earlier version discussed opening in stages, such as video streaming and drive-in services, with later phases allowing in-person gatherings limited in size and with social distancing. The guidance released Friday has no discussion of a phased-in opening.Tension over when and how to reopen houses of worship has varied depending on the state, as different areas set their own pace for easing pandemic stay-at-home orders. Trump called for the resumption of in-person religious services repeatedly this week and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8a34b6599602dbd751f2c1fcb93387fe">said Friday that</a>&nbsp;he would “override” governors that did not do so, though it’s unclear whether Trump has any authority to supersede state leaders on the issue.Still, the president’s comments come less than six months ahead of a reelection bid in which turnout from his conservative evangelical Christian base could prove critical. Trump suggested on Thursday that friction over the issue was more common in states run by Democrats because “churches are not being treated with respect” by many their governors.One of those Democrats, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, was warned this week by Trump’s Justice Department that the state’s phased-in plan to restart economic activity puts an “unfair burden” on worship by not permitting churches to open earlier in the process. More than 1,200 California pastors are planning to restart worship on May 31 despite Newsom’s stay-at-home orders, which he has said would likely allow for religious gatherings within weeks.Among the California pastors leading the call for resuming in-person gathering is Danny Carroll of Water of Life Community Church in Fontana. State officials “don’t understand that people of faith need contact, that they need to worship together,” Carroll said in an interview. “We’re trying to close the gap – thoughtfully, humbly, nicely.”Carroll described his effort as disconnected from politics: “We don’t deal with how people vote. We deal with how people live.”But another pastor involved, Ron Hill of Love and Unity Christian Fellowship, said that he finds “some merit” in Republicans’ claims that blue states have a less keen understanding of religion’s importance in public life.“I really find it difficult to understand why they’re placing a different rule on the church than on the supermarket, café or restaurant,” said Hill, who added that he had not yet decided whether May 31 would mark the reopening of his church in Compton, Calif.Pastors in other states, however, have already begun outlining plans to welcome back worshippers in person before the month’s end. Florida’s Rodney Howard-Browne –&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/6a6ffcc32101dd3eee86937202a1c7f2">arrested</a>&nbsp;in March for holding a large in-person service at his church, charges that were later dropped – is preparing to reopen with an outdoor service on Pentecost. Catholic and Lutheran churches in Minnesota have notified that state’s Democratic governor that they plan to resume Mass this week, in defiance of his order.An evangelical pastor who’s been a key Trump backer, Jack Graham, plans to reopen his Texas megachurch on Pentecost weekend. Attendees of those services will be required to make reservations, but masks will not be mandated, according to the church’s website.Graham told the Faithwire website this week that Pentecost, considered holy by Christians as the birthday of the church, was a fitting moment for “a kind of rebirth of the church” this year.The momentum toward restarting in-person worship comes amid new reports of church gatherings spreading COVID-19. A CDC report released this week traced the spread of the virus to 35 out of 92 attendees at two March church events in Arkansas that were attended by two symptomatic people.“Reopening faith communities, let alone reopening any other faith institutions, is unsafe” given the ongoing threat of spreading illness, said Maggie Siddiqi, director of the faith initiative at the liberal Center for American Progress. “My fear is we will learn the hard way and have to close again.”While Pentecost promises to escalate the number of churches seeking to reopen, many other houses of worship are still expecting to wait until June or beyond to resume in-person services with restrictions aimed at protecting public health. Another prominent conservative evangelical ally of Trump, Pastor Robert Jeffress, said he is eyeing local metrics and could reopen next month.Speaking before Trump’s Friday announcement, Jeffress said his Dallas-area megachurch would be “data-driven, instead of date-driven, when it comes to reopening.”A spokeswoman for the ministry of Paula White-Cain, the pastor who leads Trump’s White House faith initiative, said earlier this week that at the moment Pentecost services at her Florida church were slated to be online-only.The president, however, has projected eagerness to restart religious services. Trump held a Thursday conference call with 1,600 “pastors and faith leaders” to tout the importance of reopening in-person worship, later saying that deeming liquor stores and abortion clinics essential but not worship was an “injustice.”Some governors designated faith gatherings as essential services in their states’ pandemic stay-at-home orders, although others restricted them as the virus began to spread.Ralph Reed, chief of the Faith &amp; Freedom Coalition and another conservative evangelical ally of Trump, said before Trump’s Friday announcement that while Pentecost is “an important marker for the church,” he doesn’t expect most Christian leaders would be “guided particularly by that date” in deciding to reopen.But Reed lauded the growing push in that direction. “Churches are doing a good job” adapting to necessary public health constraints, he said, “but I do think it’s time for the country to reopen.”___

Trump’s urging stokes furor in debate over in-person worship

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating an armed robbery have made an arrest.

Just before 4 a.m. Thursday, officers responded to the Kwik Shop at 1700 SW Topeka Blvd. on a report of an armed robbery, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Koenen.

The suspect reportedly entered the store, brandished a firearm and left with an undisclosed item.

Based on descriptions from witnesses and the assistance of security camera footage, officers were able to develop a description of the suspect. He was identified as 34-year-old Richard D. Youngberg. Police located Youngberg and arrested him on charges of aggravated robbery, theft and Topeka bench warrants, according to Koenen.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590170874951.png" alt="Youngberg photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Youngberg photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating an armed robbery have made an arrest.Just before 4 a.m. Thursday, officers responded to the Kwik Shop at 1700 SW Topeka Blvd. on a report of an armed robbery, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Koenen.The suspect reportedly entered the store, brandished a firearm and left with an undisclosed item.Based on descriptions from witnesses and the assistance of security camera footage, officers were able to develop a description of the suspect. He was identified as 34-year-old Richard D. Youngberg. Police located Youngberg and arrested him on charges of aggravated robbery, theft and Topeka bench warrants, according to Koenen.

Police track down, arrest Kansas armed robbery suspect

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Kansas City woman died a day after being shot and hospitalized in critical condition, police said.

Sarah Lowrey, 42, was found early Tuesday morning with a gunshot wound inside a car parked outside of a home in the city’s Oak Park Northwest neighborhood, police said. Officers had been called to the area around 1:45 a.m. Tuesday for reports of a shooting.

Lowrey died Wednesday at a hospital where she was being treated, police said in a news release. A police spokesman, Sgt. Jacob Becchina, said police have a person of interest in the shooting, but no arrests had been reported by Friday morning.

Lowrey's death marked the city's 70th homicide this year.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Kansas City woman died a day after being shot and hospitalized in critical condition, police said.Sarah Lowrey, 42, was found early Tuesday morning with a gunshot wound inside a car parked outside of a home in the city’s Oak Park Northwest neighborhood, police said. Officers had been called to the area around 1:45 a.m. Tuesday for reports of a shooting.Lowrey died Wednesday at a hospital where she was being treated, police said in a news release. A police spokesman, Sgt. Jacob Becchina, said police have a person of interest in the shooting, but no arrests had been reported by Friday morning.Lowrey's death marked the city's 70th homicide this year.

Kansas City woman dies a day after being shot in car

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

Just before 3p.m. Wednesday, police responded to a shooting call at an apartment complex in the 1100 block of South Webb Road in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp; 

Upon arrival, police located 17-year-old Marcus Sain in a parking lot with critical injuries.&nbsp; He was transported to an area hospital for medical treatment and died, according to Davidson.

Several minutes later, officers responded to an area hospital regarding an 18-year-old male walk-in shooting victim with a gunshot wound to his body.&nbsp; He was treated for a non-life-threatening injury and released.

The investigation revealed&nbsp;22-year-old Malcolm Ganther, a second suspect, Sain, and an 18-year-old male had arranged to meet in the apartment complex parking lot regarding a drug transaction. 

A suspect arrived at the apartment complex parking lot driving a newer-model white mustang, and Ganther arrived at the same time driving a grey Buick.&nbsp; Sain and the 18-year-old walked up and got into the Buick, occupied by Ganther.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

During the transaction inside the Buick, a disturbance ensued, and the suspect seated in the Mustang exited the car and fired multiple shots at Sain and the 18-year-old, striking them and causing their injuries.&nbsp; Ganther then fled in the Buick, and the second suspect fled in the Mustang.

Through the community’s help and the investigation, Ganther was identified and arrested at his home on Thursday in the 300 block of North Edgemoor in Wichita. Investigators also have located the Buick vehicle involved.&nbsp;

Police are still working to identify and locate the suspect that arrived in the white Mustang, according to Davidson.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities&nbsp; investigating a shooting that injured two teens.

Just before 3 p.m. on Wednesday, police responded to a shooting call at an apartment complex in the 1100 block of South Webb Road in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.

Upon arrival, officers located a 17-year-old victim in a parking lot with critical injuries.&nbsp; He was transported to an area hospital for medical treatment, and he remains in critical condition.

Several minutes later, officers responded to an area hospital regarding an 18-year-old walk-in shooting victim with a gunshot wound to his body.&nbsp; He was treated for a non-life-threatening injury and released.

The investigation revealed two unknown suspects and the two victims had made an arrangement to meet in the apartment complex parking lot.&nbsp;

Investigators are working to learn the circumstances of the meeting.&nbsp; An unknown suspect arrived at the apartment complex parking lot driving a newer-model white mustang, and the second unknown suspect arrived at the same time driving a grey Buick.&nbsp; The two victims walked up to the Buick and got into the vehicle, occupied by one suspect.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

During the meeting inside the Buick, a disturbance ensued, and the suspect seated in the Mustang exited the car and fired multiple shots at the victims, striking them and causing their injuries.&nbsp; Both suspects then fled in the vehicles they were driving when they arrived, according to Davidson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590157799937.png" alt="Ganther photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Ganther photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have made an arrest.Just before 3p.m. Wednesday, police responded to a shooting call at an apartment complex in the 1100 block of South Webb Road in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp; Upon arrival, police located 17-year-old Marcus Sain in a parking lot with critical injuries.&nbsp; He was transported to an area hospital for medical treatment and died, according to Davidson.Several minutes later, officers responded to an area hospital regarding an 18-year-old male walk-in shooting victim with a gunshot wound to his body.&nbsp; He was treated for a non-life-threatening injury and released.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590090874405.png" alt="Malcom Ganther as seen on security camera images from Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Malcom Ganther as seen on security camera images from Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>The investigation revealed&nbsp;22-year-old Malcolm Ganther, a second suspect, Sain, and an 18-year-old male had arranged to meet in the apartment complex parking lot regarding a drug transaction. A suspect arrived at the apartment complex parking lot driving a newer-model white mustang, and Ganther arrived at the same time driving a grey Buick.&nbsp; Sain and the 18-year-old walked up and got into the Buick, occupied by Ganther.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;During the transaction inside the Buick, a disturbance ensued, and the suspect seated in the Mustang exited the car and fired multiple shots at Sain and the 18-year-old, striking them and causing their injuries.&nbsp; Ganther then fled in the Buick, and the second suspect fled in the Mustang.Through the community’s help and the investigation, Ganther was identified and arrested at his home on Thursday in the 300 block of North Edgemoor in Wichita. Investigators also have located the Buick vehicle involved.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590090818345.png" alt="Security camera photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Security camera photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Police are still working to identify and locate the suspect that arrived in the white Mustang, according to Davidson.-------SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities&nbsp; investigating a shooting that injured two teens.Just before 3 p.m. on Wednesday, police responded to a shooting call at an apartment complex in the 1100 block of South Webb Road in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.Upon arrival, officers located a 17-year-old victim in a parking lot with critical injuries.&nbsp; He was transported to an area hospital for medical treatment, and he remains in critical condition.Several minutes later, officers responded to an area hospital regarding an 18-year-old walk-in shooting victim with a gunshot wound to his body.&nbsp; He was treated for a non-life-threatening injury and released.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590090874405.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Security camera images -Wichita PoliceThe investigation revealed two unknown suspects and the two victims had made an arrangement to meet in the apartment complex parking lot.&nbsp;Investigators are working to learn the circumstances of the meeting.&nbsp; An unknown suspect arrived at the apartment complex parking lot driving a newer-model white mustang, and the second unknown suspect arrived at the same time driving a grey Buick.&nbsp; The two victims walked up to the Buick and got into the vehicle, occupied by one suspect.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;During the meeting inside the Buick, a disturbance ensued, and the suspect seated in the Mustang exited the car and fired multiple shots at the victims, striking them and causing their injuries.&nbsp; Both suspects then fled in the vehicles they were driving when they arrived, according to Davidson.

Public helps police ID suspect in fatal Kansas shooting

WESTWOOD, Kan. (AP) — Authorities say two of three people in a car that crashed into a suburban Kansas City, Kansas, home were taken to a hospital with injuries. 

The crash happened before dawn Friday morning in Westwood, sparking a fire that damaged the home. Firefighters and medics were sent to the home to put out the fire and attend to those injured. 

Police say the incident began when an officer tried to pull over the car, and the car's driver lost control and hit the house. Police say all three people who were in the vehicle were arrested. No one inside the home at the time of the crash was injured.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590153584568.png" alt="Friday morning crash scene photo courtesy Fox4 Kansas City" />
 <figcaption>Friday morning crash scene photo courtesy Fox4 Kansas City</figcaption>
 </figure>WESTWOOD, Kan. (AP) — Authorities say two of three people in a car that crashed into a suburban Kansas City, Kansas, home were taken to a hospital with injuries. The crash happened before dawn Friday morning in Westwood, sparking a fire that damaged the home. Firefighters and medics were sent to the home to put out the fire and attend to those injured. Police say the incident began when an officer tried to pull over the car, and the car's driver lost control and hit the house. Police say all three people who were in the vehicle were arrested. No one inside the home at the time of the crash was injured.

Police: 3 arrested after car crashes into Kansas house 

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that sent a man to the hospital.

Just after noon on Wednesday, police responded to a disturbance with shots fired and a dog being shot at a home in the 2800 block of E. Mossman in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.

Upon arrival, officers heard shots being fired and observed a man running and getting into a silver Jeep and leaving.&nbsp; Officers stopped the vehicle in the area of 800 N. Green and located a 31-year-old man who had a gunshot wound to his rear end.&nbsp; He was taken to the hospital for treatment of a non-life threatening injury.

The investigation revealed, a 59-year-old man lives with the 31-year-old man at a home in the 800 block of North Green, according to Davidson.

The 59-year-old saw the 31-year-old’s pit-bull escape out of the yard.&nbsp; He followed the dog to a home in the 2800 block of East Mossman, where the dog attacked a Rottweiler puppy.&nbsp;

At the home on Mossman, a 42-year-old woman resident fired a handgun at the pit-bull attacking her dog and struck it, causing minor injuries to the dog.&nbsp;

 The 59-year-old returned to the home on North Green with the dog and relayed what occurred to the 31-year-old.&nbsp;

The 31-year-old drove to the Mossman home in a tan Ford Escape.&nbsp; After he arrived, a disturbance ensued, his Ford Escape was rammed, and shots were fired by the 42–year-old female that struck the man.&nbsp; 

The male who was shot then left with his friends and roommates in the silver Jeep, who had followed him to the home.

Investigators are working to determine all the circumstances of what occurred.&nbsp; Davidson did not report the name of the victim or any possible arrests.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590091714826.png" alt="Police on the scene of Wednesdays disturbance photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of Wednesdays disturbance photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that sent a man to the hospital.Just after noon on Wednesday, police responded to a disturbance with shots fired and a dog being shot at a home in the 2800 block of E. Mossman in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.Upon arrival, officers heard shots being fired and observed a man running and getting into a silver Jeep and leaving.&nbsp; Officers stopped the vehicle in the area of 800 N. Green and located a 31-year-old man who had a gunshot wound to his rear end.&nbsp; He was taken to the hospital for treatment of a non-life threatening injury.The investigation revealed, a 59-year-old man lives with the 31-year-old man at a home in the 800 block of North Green, according to Davidson.The 59-year-old saw the 31-year-old’s pit-bull escape out of the yard.&nbsp; He followed the dog to a home in the 2800 block of East Mossman, where the dog attacked a Rottweiler puppy.&nbsp;At the home on Mossman, a 42-year-old woman resident fired a handgun at the pit-bull attacking her dog and struck it, causing minor injuries to the dog.&nbsp; The 59-year-old returned to the home on North Green with the dog and relayed what occurred to the 31-year-old.&nbsp;The 31-year-old drove to the Mossman home in a tan Ford Escape.&nbsp; After he arrived, a disturbance ensued, his Ford Escape was rammed, and shots were fired by the 42–year-old female that struck the man.&nbsp; The male who was shot then left with his friends and roommates in the silver Jeep, who had followed him to the home.Investigators are working to determine all the circumstances of what occurred.&nbsp; Davidson did not report the name of the victim or any possible arrests.

Police: Kansas man, dog shot during disturbance 

RENO COUNTY —Jail employees in Reno County are in self-quarantine after an inmate tested positive for coronavirus.

Last weekend an arrestee was booked into the Reno County Correctional facility for felony drug distribution charges, according to Reno County Sheriff Darrian Campbell.

Initial screening of the inmate indicated siblings in the household were positive. Upon further investigation by arresting Deputies the 911 Dispatch Center in the jurisdiction he/she resided in was contacted, early morning hours the Health Department was not open. The inmate’s address or siblings’ names were not confirmed as being positive or being tracked by that agency at the time.

Mid-morning Tuesday, May 18, after court, bond was not lowered, and the inmate indicated she resides with two family members who are positive for COVID-19.

 The inmate was moved to quarantine immediately and the other inmates she was housed with were locked down in individual cells. 

Through the Reno County Health Department, we were able to confirm there were two siblings positive for COVID-19 at the inmate’s address. The inmate was tested and the sample was sent to the lab. Late afternoon of the 20th the results came back positive for COVID-19.

Currently there are seven inmates identified which have been isolated and will be tested Thursday. The samples will be sent to the lab. There are nine employees which have been identified as having direct contact with the inmate and are in self quarantine. They were to be tested Thursday morning, according to Campbell.

At this time, the sheriff's department believes all persons which have had direct contact with this individual have been identified and put on notice for isolation and testing.

RENO COUNTY —Jail employees in Reno County are in self-quarantine after an inmate tested positive for coronavirus.Last weekend an arrestee was booked into the Reno County Correctional facility for felony drug distribution charges, according to Reno County Sheriff Darrian Campbell.Initial screening of the inmate indicated siblings in the household were positive. Upon further investigation by arresting Deputies the 911 Dispatch Center in the jurisdiction he/she resided in was contacted, early morning hours the Health Department was not open. The inmate’s address or siblings’ names were not confirmed as being positive or being tracked by that agency at the time.Mid-morning Tuesday, May 18, after court, bond was not lowered, and the inmate indicated she resides with two family members who are positive for COVID-19. The inmate was moved to quarantine immediately and the other inmates she was housed with were locked down in individual cells. Through the Reno County Health Department, we were able to confirm there were two siblings positive for COVID-19 at the inmate’s address. The inmate was tested and the sample was sent to the lab. Late afternoon of the 20th the results came back positive for COVID-19.Currently there are seven inmates identified which have been isolated and will be tested Thursday. The samples will be sent to the lab. There are nine employees which have been identified as having direct contact with the inmate and are in self quarantine. They were to be tested Thursday morning, according to Campbell.At this time, the sheriff's department believes all persons which have had direct contact with this individual have been identified and put on notice for isolation and testing.

Staff in self-quarantine after Kan. inmate tests positive for virus

Jesse Moses Monreal/Photo courtesy of the Livingston Co. Sheriff's Dept.

A man wanted for murder in Kansas has been apprehended in northwest Missouri.

Livingston County Sheriff Steve Cox says Jesse Moses Monreal was arrested after a manhunt in southern Livingston County.

Monreal has been charged with first degree murder and attempted robbery in Johnson County, Kansas for an incident in early May.

The manhunt began after a vehicle was stolen in Lafayette County and the suspects fled into Livingston County. Deputies arrested Monreal, but two men with him escaped. Authorities suspect they stole a truck from a rock quarry in Blue Mound. Kansas law enforcement do not believe the two were involved in the Johnson County homicide.

The Livingston and Lafayette County sheriff’s departments continue to work with the U.S. Marshall Office on the two stolen vehicle cases.

Cox says Monreal remains incarcerated in the Daviess Dekalb Regional Jail and once he clears extradition process, will be released to Kansas authorities.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590074381554.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Jesse Moses Monreal/Photo courtesy of the Livingston Co. Sheriff's Dept.By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA man wanted for murder in Kansas has been apprehended in northwest Missouri.Livingston County Sheriff Steve Cox says Jesse Moses Monreal was arrested after a manhunt in southern Livingston County.Monreal has been charged with first degree murder and attempted robbery in Johnson County, Kansas for an incident in early May.The manhunt began after a vehicle was stolen in Lafayette County and the suspects fled into Livingston County. Deputies arrested Monreal, but two men with him escaped. Authorities suspect they stole a truck from a rock quarry in Blue Mound. Kansas law enforcement do not believe the two were involved in the Johnson County homicide.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590075890509.png" alt="Monreal photo Daviess-DeKalb County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Monreal photo Daviess-DeKalb County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>The Livingston and Lafayette County sheriff’s departments continue to work with the U.S. Marshall Office on the two stolen vehicle cases.Cox says Monreal remains incarcerated in the Daviess Dekalb Regional Jail and once he clears extradition process, will be released to Kansas authorities.

Man wanted for Kansas murder arrested in Missouri

TOPEKA – Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt issued a formal legal opinion Wednesday addressing whether a state law that authorizes criminal prosecution of Kansans who violate emergency orders issued by the governor is constitutional and enforceable. 

The opinion is a consolidated response to separate requests for the attorney general’s legal opinion on closely related subjects from Reno County District Attorney Keith Schroeder, State Senator Richard Hilderbrand, and State Representatives Tory Marie Arnberger, Renee Erickson, Susan Humphries, Brenda Landwehr, Barbara Wasinger and Kristey Williams, according to the Attorney General's office.

The Opinion notes that the Kansas Emergency Management Act (KEMA) places on the governor responsibility to respond to disasters and grants broad authority to do so. Because of the nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of emergency powers has been unprecedented since the KEMA was enacted in 1975, with 31 emergency orders issued by the governor in the past 10 weeks. The Opinion does not address federal, state or local emergency authority outside the KEMA.

Notable conclusions in the 31-page opinion include:

Noting “the unique facts facing prosecutors in Kansas,” District Attorney Schroeder in particular requested an analysis regarding criminal prosecution of violations of emergency orders to assist local authorities “to avoid any unlawful arrests or convictions stemming from the disputed nature and authority of the Governor’s Executive Orders.”

Addressing that concern, the Opinion concludes:

Regarding criminal enforcement, the Opinion sets out a “Recommended framework for evaluating ‘lawfulness’ of an emergency order” for use by prosecutors. Because of issues unique to emergency orders, the Opinion recommends five questions prosecutors should analyze case-by-case before any criminal enforcement action: (1) Was a state of disaster emergency in effect at the time of the conduct alleged to violate an emergency order, (2) was the emergency order properly published as required by statute and by principles of due process, (3) does the plain text of [the emergency-powers statute] grant authority for the particular emergency order at issue, (4) is the emergency order unconstitutionally vague in violation of due process, and (5) does the emergency order impermissibly burden constitutional or statutory rights?

In its criminal-enforcement section, the Opinion also includes these passages:

The opinion has been posted on the attorney general’s website and<a href="https://ag.ks.gov/docs/default-source/ag-opinions/2020/2020-006.pdf?sfvrsn=1997ac1a_8"> is available here.</a>

TOPEKA – Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt issued a formal legal opinion Wednesday addressing whether a state law that authorizes criminal prosecution of Kansans who violate emergency orders issued by the governor is constitutional and enforceable. The opinion is a consolidated response to separate requests for the attorney general’s legal opinion on closely related subjects from Reno County District Attorney Keith Schroeder, State Senator Richard Hilderbrand, and State Representatives Tory Marie Arnberger, Renee Erickson, Susan Humphries, Brenda Landwehr, Barbara Wasinger and Kristey Williams, according to the Attorney General's office.The Opinion notes that the Kansas Emergency Management Act (KEMA) places on the governor responsibility to respond to disasters and grants broad authority to do so. Because of the nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of emergency powers has been unprecedented since the KEMA was enacted in 1975, with 31 emergency orders issued by the governor in the past 10 weeks. The Opinion does not address federal, state or local emergency authority outside the KEMA.Notable conclusions in the 31-page opinion include:<ol>
 <li>“[T]he validity of the Second Disaster Proclamation [on April 30, 2020] is doubtful … To minimize the risk of legal challenges to executive orders issued or other emergency actions after May 1, 2020, authorized under the Second Disaster Proclamation, we recommend that the legislature by statute expressly approve the state of disaster emergency.” [p. 13]</li><li>“Three specific portions in the language of [the emergency-powers statute] are constitutionally suspect on their face. The legislature should examine them carefully to determine whether they accurately reflect the legislature’s intent. If one or more is invalid, it would become necessary to determine whether the invalid portion is severable from the remainder of the statute.” [p. 13]</li>
 </ol>Noting “the unique facts facing prosecutors in Kansas,” District Attorney Schroeder in particular requested an analysis regarding criminal prosecution of violations of emergency orders to assist local authorities “to avoid any unlawful arrests or convictions stemming from the disputed nature and authority of the Governor’s Executive Orders.”Addressing that concern, the Opinion concludes:<ol>
 <li>“Because emergency orders are not subject before issuance to the ordinary processes of deliberative governance, the lawfulness of the order cannot as readily be presupposed but is reasonably subject to question. In light of the rare [statutory] requirement that only … violations of … 'lawful' emergency orders be punished criminally,&nbsp;prosecutors considering bringing charges under authority of [the emergency-powers statute] should specifically analyze the lawfulness of any individual order before bringing charges.” [p. 20]</li>
 </ol>Regarding criminal enforcement, the Opinion sets out a “Recommended framework for evaluating ‘lawfulness’ of an emergency order” for use by prosecutors. Because of issues unique to emergency orders, the Opinion recommends five questions prosecutors should analyze case-by-case before any criminal enforcement action: (1) Was a state of disaster emergency in effect at the time of the conduct alleged to violate an emergency order, (2) was the emergency order properly published as required by statute and by principles of due process, (3) does the plain text of [the emergency-powers statute] grant authority for the particular emergency order at issue, (4) is the emergency order unconstitutionally vague in violation of due process, and (5) does the emergency order impermissibly burden constitutional or statutory rights?In its criminal-enforcement section, the Opinion also includes these passages:<ol>
 <li>“Never before have&nbsp;all&nbsp;Kansans been subject for an extended time to such intrusive restrictions ordered by their government. Under various emergency orders, it became a crime for Kansans to leave home without government approval, to gather more than 10 people at a time except for government-approved purposes, or to operate businesses or organizations without government approval. Quite obviously, these sorts of restrictions burdened fundamental rights — such as religion, assembly, and movement — that are constitutionally protected.” [pp. 29-30]</li><li>“We specifically recommend no criminal charges be filed until a prosecutor has exercised due diligence in addressing the questions presented in this opinion … and is satisfied that the particular order at issue is lawful and may be lawfully applied to the defendant.” [p. 31]</li>
 </ol>The opinion has been posted on the attorney general’s website and<a href="https://ag.ks.gov/docs/default-source/ag-opinions/2020/2020-006.pdf?sfvrsn=1997ac1a_8"> is available here.</a>

AG issues legal opinion on criminal enforcement of emergency orders

SHAWNEE COUNTY&nbsp; – Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Wednesday morning shooting in Topeka and have made an arrest.

Just after 2:00 am, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received a call of a possible shooting in the 100 block of NE Coachlight Drive, according to Lt. Matt Danielson.

Officers arrived on scene and located a victim later identified as&nbsp;47-year-old Royal T. St. Clair of Topeka&nbsp; in a home that had been shot. Medical personnel arrived and transported him to a local hospital with life threatening injuries.

On Wednesday afternoon, police took a person of interest in the shooting investigation&nbsp; into custody in the 400 block of SE Rice Road.

After questioning, police arrested&nbsp; 24 year-old Austin J. Dickey on requested charges of&nbsp; aggravated battery and criminal possession of a firearm by a felon. St. Clair remains in critical but stable condition at an area hospital, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Koenen.

SHAWNEE COUNTY&nbsp; – Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Wednesday morning shooting in Topeka.

Officers arrived on scene and located a victim in a home that had been shot. Medical personnel arrived and transported that victim to a local hospital with life threatening injuries.

Police released no additional details including the victim's name.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590057291594.png" alt="Dickey photo Shawnee County. He has previous convictions for theft, burglary and criminal threat, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Dickey photo Shawnee County. He has previous convictions for theft, burglary and criminal threat, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY&nbsp; – Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Wednesday morning shooting in Topeka and have made an arrest.Just after 2:00 am, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received a call of a possible shooting in the 100 block of NE Coachlight Drive, according to Lt. Matt Danielson.Officers arrived on scene and located a victim later identified as&nbsp;47-year-old Royal T. St. Clair of Topeka&nbsp; in a home that had been shot. Medical personnel arrived and transported him to a local hospital with life threatening injuries.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589971183355.png" alt="Police on the scene of the shooting investigation early Wednesday photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the shooting investigation early Wednesday photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>On Wednesday afternoon, police took a person of interest in the shooting investigation&nbsp; into custody in the 400 block of SE Rice Road.After questioning, police arrested&nbsp; 24 year-old Austin J. Dickey on requested charges of&nbsp; aggravated battery and criminal possession of a firearm by a felon. St. Clair remains in critical but stable condition at an area hospital, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Koenen.------SHAWNEE COUNTY&nbsp; – Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Wednesday morning shooting in Topeka.Just after 2:00 am, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received a call of a possible shooting in the 100 block of NE Coachlight Drive, according to Lt. Matt Danielson.Officers arrived on scene and located a victim in a home that had been shot. Medical personnel arrived and transported that victim to a local hospital with life threatening injuries.Police released no additional details including the victim's name.

Police: Kan. felon jailed for shooting that left man in critical condition

SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a home invasion burglary and have two suspects in custody.

Just after 2p.m. Monday deputies responded to an aggravated burglary that had just occurred to a residence in the 10000 block of SE Paulen Road, according to Deputy Shayna Anderson.

While at home, the homeowner heard noises in the house and discovered two suspects inside the residence. One of the suspects shot at the victim as they were fleeing the scene. The victim was unharmed. During the burglary, the suspects stole a cell phone and a rifle from the residence.

Both suspects fled the scene in a dark gray or black midsized SUV.&nbsp;

Detectives were able to develop two suspects.&nbsp; The suspect vehicle and suspects were located at a business in the 3800 block of S. Topeka boulevard, according to Sgt. Todd Stallbaumer.

Nathaniel D. Armstrong, 44, and Michal A. Lewis, 25, both of Topeka, were arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on the following requested charges: Attempted 2nd&nbsp;degree murder,&nbsp;Criminal possession of a firearm by a felon, Aggravated burglary, Felony criminal damage, Theft and Possession of stolen property

SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a home invasion burglary.

Both suspects fled the scene in a dark gray or black midsized SUV. One is described as a white male, approximately 6-foot-1, 170 pounds with dirty blond buzzed hair and possible facial hair. He was wearing a navy shirt and jeans. The victim was not able to provide a description on the other suspect.

This burglary could potentially be linked to two residential burglaries that occurred in Osage County earlier Monday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589902431628.png" alt="Lewis photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Lewis photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a home invasion burglary and have two suspects in custody.Just after 2p.m. Monday deputies responded to an aggravated burglary that had just occurred to a residence in the 10000 block of SE Paulen Road, according to Deputy Shayna Anderson.While at home, the homeowner heard noises in the house and discovered two suspects inside the residence. One of the suspects shot at the victim as they were fleeing the scene. The victim was unharmed. During the burglary, the suspects stole a cell phone and a rifle from the residence.Both suspects fled the scene in a dark gray or black midsized SUV.&nbsp;Detectives were able to develop two suspects.&nbsp; The suspect vehicle and suspects were located at a business in the 3800 block of S. Topeka boulevard, according to Sgt. Todd Stallbaumer.Nathaniel D. Armstrong, 44, and Michal A. Lewis, 25, both of Topeka, were arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on the following requested charges: Attempted 2nd&nbsp;degree murder,&nbsp;Criminal possession of a firearm by a felon, Aggravated burglary, Felony criminal damage, Theft and Possession of stolen property----------SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a home invasion burglary.Just after 2p.m. Monday deputies responded to an aggravated burglary that had just occurred to a residence in the 10000 block of SE Paulen Road, according to Deputy Shayna Anderson.While at home, the homeowner heard noises in the house and discovered two suspects inside the residence. One of the suspects shot at the victim as they were fleeing the scene. The victim was unharmed. During the burglary, the suspects stole a cell phone and a rifle from the residence.Both suspects fled the scene in a dark gray or black midsized SUV. One is described as a white male, approximately 6-foot-1, 170 pounds with dirty blond buzzed hair and possible facial hair. He was wearing a navy shirt and jeans. The victim was not able to provide a description on the other suspect.This burglary could potentially be linked to two residential burglaries that occurred in Osage County earlier Monday.

Police: Kansas burglary suspects shot at homeowner 

TOPEKA, Kan., (AP) — Two men are charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of a Topeka high school senior earlier this month. 

Shawnee County District Attorney Mike Kagay said Tuesday that Tyron Michael and Daravian Ryce are charged in the May 12 death of 18-year-old Jo'Heem Meredith. 

Police say Meredith was shot at a Topeka apartment complex. He went to a hospital but died from his injuries. Besides the murder charge, the suspects each face four other charges. 

 The suspects also face several other charges, including aggravated robbery and assault. Michael was charged with gun and drug counts related to his arrest on May 13.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589992806055.png" alt="Michael photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Michael photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan., (AP) — Two men are charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of a Topeka high school senior earlier this month. Shawnee County District Attorney Mike Kagay said Tuesday that Tyron Michael and Daravian Ryce are charged in the May 12 death of 18-year-old Jo'Heem Meredith. Police say Meredith was shot at a Topeka apartment complex. He went to a hospital but died from his injuries. Besides the murder charge, the suspects each face four other charges. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589992713339.png" alt="Ryce from an earlier arrest in Butler Co." />
 <figcaption>Ryce from an earlier arrest in Butler Co.</figcaption>
 </figure> The suspects also face several other charges, including aggravated robbery and assault. Michael was charged with gun and drug counts related to his arrest on May 13.

2 charged in fatal shooting of Kan. high school senior 

BARTON COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on numerous charges after a chase in Barton County.

Just before 11p.m. Monday, an officer with the Great Bend Police Department conducted a traffic stop in the 3800 block of 12th Street on a 1998 Accura ATL for a traffic violation, according to a media release.

The driver, later identified as 38-year-old Cristopher Chappell failed to produce identification and provided a false name. Barton County Communications advised the vehicle identification number returned stolen out of Topeka Kansas.

As the officer attempted to make an arrest, Chappell fled the scene in his vehicle, north bound on McKinley Street. The Police Department and Barton County Sheriff's Office deputies pursued Chappell.

During the pursuit Chappell struck a Barton County deputy's vehicle and reached speeds of over 100 miles per hour. 

Stop sticks were deployed and Chappell crashed into an electrical box at 24th and Main Street in Great Bend.

Chappell ran from the vehicle, west bound through Brit Spaugh Zoo. Police K-9 Menta was deployed for a track and Chappell was later located by an officer along the north west fence line of the zoo.

Along with Great Bend Police Department and Barton County Sheriff's Office charges, Chappell had an extraditable felony warrant out of Colorado.

The passenger of the vehicle, Gerald Martin, age 56, was detained and later released.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589907317623.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Christopher ChappellBARTON COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on numerous charges after a chase in Barton County.Just before 11p.m. Monday, an officer with the Great Bend Police Department conducted a traffic stop in the 3800 block of 12th Street on a 1998 Accura ATL for a traffic violation, according to a media release.The driver, later identified as 38-year-old Cristopher Chappell failed to produce identification and provided a false name. Barton County Communications advised the vehicle identification number returned stolen out of Topeka Kansas.As the officer attempted to make an arrest, Chappell fled the scene in his vehicle, north bound on McKinley Street. The Police Department and Barton County Sheriff's Office deputies pursued Chappell.During the pursuit Chappell struck a Barton County deputy's vehicle and reached speeds of over 100 miles per hour. Stop sticks were deployed and Chappell crashed into an electrical box at 24th and Main Street in Great Bend.Chappell ran from the vehicle, west bound through Brit Spaugh Zoo. Police K-9 Menta was deployed for a track and Chappell was later located by an officer along the north west fence line of the zoo.Along with Great Bend Police Department and Barton County Sheriff's Office charges, Chappell had an extraditable felony warrant out of Colorado.The passenger of the vehicle, Gerald Martin, age 56, was detained and later released.There were no injuries reported.

Police: Suspect driving stolen car captured in Kan. zoo

HARVEY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a member of the Burrton City Council for alleged child sex crimes.&nbsp;

On Monday, Harvey County Sheriff’s deputies arrested&nbsp; 39-year-old Justin R. Freeman.&nbsp; He's being held in the Harvey County Detention Center on a $750,000 bond.&nbsp;

“We understand there is a legal process still yet to play out, but we absolutely take these allegations with the utmost seriousness. We will work with the sheriff’s office in any way we can to aid their investigation,” Burrton Mayor Rodney Redinger said. “Right now, our priority is to offer our support, and our thoughts, and our prayers, for those involved.”

The Harvey County Attorney’s Office has charged Freeman on six counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child.

This was Freeman's first year on the city council.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589883046442.png" alt="Freeman photo Harvey County" />
 <figcaption>Freeman photo Harvey County</figcaption>
 </figure>HARVEY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a member of the Burrton City Council for alleged child sex crimes.&nbsp;On Monday, Harvey County Sheriff’s deputies arrested&nbsp; 39-year-old Justin R. Freeman.&nbsp; He's being held in the Harvey County Detention Center on a $750,000 bond.&nbsp;“We understand there is a legal process still yet to play out, but we absolutely take these allegations with the utmost seriousness. We will work with the sheriff’s office in any way we can to aid their investigation,” Burrton Mayor Rodney Redinger said. “Right now, our priority is to offer our support, and our thoughts, and our prayers, for those involved.”The Harvey County Attorney’s Office has charged Freeman on six counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child.This was Freeman's first year on the city council.

City council member in Kan. jailed for alleged child sex crimes

JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new&nbsp; charges after a traffic stop.

Just after 9:30a.m. Monday, a sheriff’s deputy observed a blue Chrysler Sebring traveling southbound on Arizona Street in Holton.

The deputy stopped the vehicle after confirming the driver did not have a valid driver’s license. 

Following a search, the deputy arrested the passenger, Christopher Speckhals, 31, of Hiawatha,&nbsp; for being in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. The driver was released at the scene.

Speckhals has previous conviction for arson and drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589835019704.png" alt="Speckhals" />
 <figcaption>Speckhals</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new&nbsp; charges after a traffic stop.Just after 9:30a.m. Monday, a sheriff’s deputy observed a blue Chrysler Sebring traveling southbound on Arizona Street in Holton.The deputy stopped the vehicle after confirming the driver did not have a valid driver’s license. Following a search, the deputy arrested the passenger, Christopher Speckhals, 31, of Hiawatha,&nbsp; for being in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. The driver was released at the scene.Speckhals has previous conviction for arson and drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.