SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas teen charged as an adult in for a double murder is due back in court Monday.

In December, Judge Shawn Elliot charged 15-year-old Elias Cerda with two counts of first degree murder and one count of attempted aggravated robbery, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

On Monday morning, Judge Christopher Magana will decide whether there is enough evidence for the trial to continue, according to the district attorney's office.

In January 2024, police responded to reports of shots being fired in the area of 5200 E Kensington in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.

Around the same time, officers were dispatched to an area hospital for the report of two walk-in shooting victims later identified as 14-year-old Emoni Shears and 19-year-old Jhiquez Roberts both of Wichita. They were later pronounced deceased at the hospital.

Detectives and patrol officers immediately began investigating this case and following up on leads. Police arrested Cerda, who was 14 at the time. He was booked into the Sedgwick County jail on November 27, according to online jail records.&nbsp;

Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734098604588.png" alt="Cerda photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Cerda photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas teen charged as an adult in for a double murder is due back in court Monday.In December, Judge Shawn Elliot charged 15-year-old Elias Cerda with two counts of first degree murder and one count of attempted aggravated robbery, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.On Monday morning, Judge Christopher Magana will decide whether there is enough evidence for the trial to continue, according to the district attorney's office.In January 2024, police responded to reports of shots being fired in the area of 5200 E Kensington in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.Around the same time, officers were dispatched to an area hospital for the report of two walk-in shooting victims later identified as 14-year-old Emoni Shears and 19-year-old Jhiquez Roberts both of Wichita. They were later pronounced deceased at the hospital.Detectives and patrol officers immediately began investigating this case and following up on leads. Police arrested Cerda, who was 14 at the time. He was booked into the Sedgwick County jail on November 27, according to online jail records.&nbsp;Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

Kan. boy, charged as an adult for double murder, is due back in court

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement investigating a kidnapping on Sunday reported they located victim and and the vehicle.

Just after 4p.m. Sunday police issued an attempt to locate in connection to an armed kidnapping, according to a social media report from Raytown Police.

Police were looking for a 2019 White Dodge Journey in connection with the crime. The vehicle left Quik Trip, 9323 E 350 Highway, Raytown, Missouri at 4:06p.m. and was last seen southbound towards Maple Drive then continued westbound. 

The suspect was described as a Hispanic male, red Chicago Bulls hat, red V-neck t-shirt, black pants, white high-top shoes, black backpack, and is armed with a handgun.  

The victim was an Asian female, possibly middle aged or older. Unknown clothing description. 

According to a witness, the suspect entered the backseat of the Dodge Journey, putting the female at gunpoint, vehicle intially left southbound with their hazards on, then headed west. It unknown if the two parties know each other. 

Police have not reported an arrest or additional details.

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement investigating a kidnapping on Sunday reported they located victim and and the vehicle.Just after 4p.m. Sunday police issued an attempt to locate in connection to an armed kidnapping, according to a social media report from Raytown Police.Police were looking for a 2019 White Dodge Journey in connection with the crime. The vehicle left Quik Trip, 9323 E 350 Highway, Raytown, Missouri at 4:06p.m. and was last seen southbound towards Maple Drive then continued westbound. The suspect was described as a Hispanic male, red Chicago Bulls hat, red V-neck t-shirt, black pants, white high-top shoes, black backpack, and is armed with a handgun. The victim was an Asian female, possibly middle aged or older. Unknown clothing description. According to a witness, the suspect entered the backseat of the Dodge Journey, putting the female at gunpoint, vehicle intially left southbound with their hazards on, then headed west. It unknown if the two parties know each other. Police have not reported an arrest or additional details.

Police: Woman in KC area kidnapping found safe

HARVEY COUNTY—A suspect is in custody after a robbery Sunday morning at Walgreens in Newton.

Just after 11a.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to an armed robbery at Walgreens, 1300 N. Main, according to a social media report.

 The suspect reportedly indicated he had a firearm, obtained cash from the store and fled south.  Responding officers located a man, later identified as 37-year-old Joshua Ewing, acting suspiciously several blocks away. Polie found clothing and other evidence from the robbery in an alley nearby. 

Police arrested Ewing and booked him into the Harvey County Detention Center. Ewing had been released from the Detention Center earlier the same day. No weapon was found.The Harvey County Sheriff’s Office and North Newton Police assisted in the response. Ewing was in custody in Sedgwick County for alleged theft and contempt of court in December, according to online booking records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743964521271.png" alt="Ewing from a December arrest in Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Ewing from a December arrest in Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>HARVEY COUNTY—A suspect is in custody after a robbery Sunday morning at Walgreens in Newton.Just after 11a.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to an armed robbery at Walgreens, 1300 N. Main, according to a social media report. The suspect reportedly indicated he had a firearm, obtained cash from the store and fled south. Responding officers located a man, later identified as 37-year-old Joshua Ewing, acting suspiciously several blocks away. Polie found clothing and other evidence from the robbery in an alley nearby. Police arrested Ewing and booked him into the Harvey County Detention Center. Ewing had been released from the Detention Center earlier the same day. No weapon was found.The Harvey County Sheriff’s Office and North Newton Police assisted in the response. Ewing was in custody in Sedgwick County for alleged theft and contempt of court in December, according to online booking records.

Kan. man just out of jail accused of drug store armed robbery

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is investigating personnel at the Comanche County clerk’s office, and the tip of possible wrongdoing may have come from the person being investigated.

“I made a mistake, and I am the one that called attention to it,” said Casey Huck, who left her elected position as Comanche County clerk in mid-March.

Huck would not elaborate on the mistake she made but said she left her position for medical reasons.

Officials would not comment on details of the investigation.

“KBI is investigating a case involving an allegation against personnel of the Comanche County Clerk’s Office,” said Dustin Wallace, KBI spokesperson. “The investigation is ongoing. We will release more information if the case progresses to filed charges or arrests.”

County Attorney Clay Kuhns would only say that the situation is “out of his hands” and has been turned over to the Kansas Attorney General’s Office.

“The AG’s office is going to make any kind of decision on what happens at this point,” Kuhns said.

Sandy Hoffman, chairwoman of the Comanche County Republican Committee, said the committee this week selected deputy county clerk Bri Uhl to replace Huck.

“She’s the one that held down the office when the county clerk quit,” she said, confirming that a resignation letter was received from Huck on March 13, and the committee had 21 days after that to fill the position.

Hoffman said she knows nothing about the situation at the county clerk’s office, other than that KBI is investigating.

Coldwater City Council President Britt Lenertz also said she didn’t have information about the KBI investigation. Coldwater is the county seat of Comanche County, located in south-central Kansas on the border of Oklahoma.

Comanche County commission president Joe Moore didn’t return calls seeking comment for this story.

Comanche County Sheriff Jacob Bruckner said he can’t comment. In a situation where a government official is being investigated, he said, it is typically handled through KBI.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743888112358.png" alt="The Kansas Bureau of Investigation opened a case against personnel in the Comanche County clerk’s office. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>The Kansas Bureau of Investigation opened a case against personnel in the Comanche County clerk’s office. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is investigating personnel at the Comanche County clerk’s office, and the tip of possible wrongdoing may have come from the person being investigated.“I made a mistake, and I am the one that called attention to it,” said Casey Huck, who left her elected position as Comanche County clerk in mid-March.Huck would not elaborate on the mistake she made but said she left her position for medical reasons.Officials would not comment on details of the investigation.“KBI is investigating a case involving an allegation against personnel of the Comanche County Clerk’s Office,” said Dustin Wallace, KBI spokesperson. “The investigation is ongoing. We will release more information if the case progresses to filed charges or arrests.”County Attorney Clay Kuhns would only say that the situation is “out of his hands” and has been turned over to the Kansas Attorney General’s Office.“The AG’s office is going to make any kind of decision on what happens at this point,” Kuhns said.Sandy Hoffman, chairwoman of the Comanche County Republican Committee, said the committee this week selected deputy county clerk Bri Uhl to replace Huck.“She’s the one that held down the office when the county clerk quit,” she said, confirming that a resignation letter was received from Huck on March 13, and the committee had 21 days after that to fill the position.Hoffman said she knows nothing about the situation at the county clerk’s office, other than that KBI is investigating.Coldwater City Council President Britt Lenertz also said she didn’t have information about the KBI investigation. Coldwater is the county seat of Comanche County, located in south-central Kansas on the border of Oklahoma.Comanche County commission president Joe Moore didn’t return calls seeking comment for this story.Comanche County Sheriff Jacob Bruckner said he can’t comment. In a situation where a government official is being investigated, he said, it is typically handled through KBI.

‘I made a mistake’ former Kan. county clerk says of problem that led to KBI investigation

WASHINGTON (AP) —The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities including Kansas State University, the University of Kansas and Wichita State University, is requesting a meeting with the State Department, alarmed that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">the Trump administration’s widening crackdown</a>&nbsp;will persuade sought-after foreign students to stay away from the United States.

College officials say the new, harsher tactics and vague justifications being used to push some students out of the country will have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-admissions-international-student-enrollment-trump-fd8b6b8f298629bbcc7339568b1c76f3">much broader consequences</a>.

America’s universities have long been seen as a top destination for the world’s brightest minds — and they’ve brought important tuition revenue and research breakthroughs to U.S. colleges. But international students also have other options, said Fanta Aw, CEO of NAFSA, an association of international educators.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A crackdown on foreign students is alarming colleges, who say the Trump administration is using new tactics and vague justifications to push some students out of the country.

College officials worry the new approach will keep foreigners from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-admissions-international-student-enrollment-trump-fd8b6b8f298629bbcc7339568b1c76f3">wanting to study</a>&nbsp;in the U.S.

Students stripped of their entry visas are receiving orders from the Department of Homeland Security to leave the country immediately — a break from past practice that often permitted them to stay and complete their studies.

Some students have been targeted over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-foreign-students-campus-gaza-protests-deportation-9e2d4abc1c158454da1f68c01062c9ef">pro-Palestinian activism</a>&nbsp;or criminal infractions — or even traffic violations. Others have been left wondering how they ran afoul of the government.

At Minnesota State University in Mankato, President Edward Inch told the campus Wednesday that visas had been revoked for five international students for unclear reasons.

He said school officials learned about the revocations when they ran a status check in a database of international students after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/university-of-minnesota-graduate-student-detained-ice-f71f517521a2567c795343092ef4e0b2">detention of a Turkish student</a>&nbsp;at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. The State Department said the detention was related to a drunken driving conviction.

“These are troubling times, and this situation is unlike any we have navigated before,” Inch wrote in a letter to campus.

<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;campaigned on a promise to deport foreign students involved in pro-Palestinian protests, and federal agents started by detaining Columbia graduate student&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/columbia-university-protester-mahmoud-khalil-immigration-arrest-5ae6eeb3ac95f190a505abebc4ee0944">Mahmoud Khalil</a>, a green-card-holder and Palestinian activist who was prominent in protests at Columbia last year. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said last week students are being targeted for involvement in protests along with others tied to “potential criminal activity.”

In the past two weeks, the government apparently has widened its crackdown. Officials from colleges around the country have discovered international students have had their entry visas revoked and, in many cases, their legal residency status terminated by authorities without notice — including students at Arizona State, Cornell, North Carolina State, the University of Oregon, the University of Texas and the University of Colorado.

Some of the students are working to leave the country on their own, but students at Tufts and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/campus-protests-immigration-alireza-doroudi-alabama-ae498838deb04b22864ef485a71bac27">University of Alabama</a>&nbsp;have been detained by immigration authorities — in the Tufts case, even&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rumeysa-ozturk-deportation-tufts-massachusetts-student-1dd330bef8fb44b05f9818c0020728a0">before the university knew</a>&nbsp;the student’s legal status had changed.

Feds bypass colleges to move against students

In this new wave of enforcement, school officials say the federal government is quietly deleting foreigners’ student records instead of going through colleges, as was done in the past.

Students are being ordered to leave the country with a suddenness that universities have rarely seen, said Miriam Feldblum, president and CEO of the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration.

In the past, when international students have had entry visas revoked, they generally have been allowed to keep legal residency status. They could stay in the country to study, but would need to renew their visa if they left the U.S. and wanted to return. Now, increasing numbers of students are having their legal status terminated, exposing them to the risk of being arrested.

“None of this is regular practice,” Feldblum said.

At North Carolina State University, two students from Saudi Arabia left the U.S. after learning their legal status as students was terminated, the university said. N.C. State said it will work with the students to complete their semester from outside the country.

Philip Vasto, who lived with one of the students, said his roommate, in graduate school for engineering management, was apolitical and did not attend protests against the war in Gaza. When the government told his roommate his student status had been terminated, it did not give a reason, Vasto said.

Since returning to Saudi Arabia, Vasto said his former roommate’s top concern is getting into another university.

“He’s made his peace with it,” he said. “He doesn’t want to allow it to steal his peace any further.”

Database checks turn up students in jeopardy

At the University of Texas at Austin, staff checking a federal database discovered two people on student visas had their permission to be in the U.S. terminated, a person familiar with the situation said. The person declined to be identified for fear of retaliation.

One of the people, from India, had their legal status terminated April 3. The federal system indicated the person had been identified in a criminal records check “and/or has had their visa revoked.” The other person, from Lebanon, had their legal status terminated March 28 due to a criminal records check, according to the federal database.

Both people were graduates remaining in the U.S. on student visas, using an option allowing people to gain professional experience after completing coursework. Both were employed full time and apparently had not violated requirements for pursuing work experience, the person familiar with the situation said.

Some students have had visas revoked by the State Department under an obscure law barring noncitizens whose presence could have “serious adverse foreign policy consequences.” Trump invoked the law in a January order demanding action against campus antisemitism.

But some students targeted in recent weeks have had no clear link to political activism. Some have been ordered to leave over misdemeanor crimes or traffic infractions, Feldblum said. In some cases, students were targeted for infractions that had been previously reported to the government.

Some of the alleged infractions would not have drawn scrutiny in the past and will likely be a test of students’ First Amendment rights as cases work their way through court, said Michelle Mittelstadt, director of public affairs at the Migration Policy Institute.

“In some ways, what the administration is doing is really retroactive,” she said. “Rather than saying, ‘This is going to be the standard that we’re applying going forward,’ they’re going back and vetting students based on past expressions or past behavior.”

The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities is requesting a meeting with the State Department over the issue. It’s unclear whether more visas are being revoked than usual, but officials fear a chilling effect on international exchange.

Many of the association’s members have recently seen at least one student have their visas revoked, said Bernie Burrola, a vice president at the group. With little information from the government, colleges have been interviewing students or searching social media for a connection to political activism.

“The universities can’t seem to find anything that seems to be related to Gaza or social media posts or protests,” Burrola said. “Some of these are sponsored students by foreign governments, where they specifically are very hesitant to get involved in protests.”

There’s no clear thread indicating which students are being targeted, but some have been from the Middle East and China, he said.

“We should not take for granted that that’s just the way things are and will always be,” she said.

WASHINGTON (AP) —The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities including Kansas State University, the University of Kansas and Wichita State University, is requesting a meeting with the State Department, alarmed that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">the Trump administration’s widening crackdown</a>&nbsp;will persuade sought-after foreign students to stay away from the United States.College officials say the new, harsher tactics and vague justifications being used to push some students out of the country will have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-admissions-international-student-enrollment-trump-fd8b6b8f298629bbcc7339568b1c76f3">much broader consequences</a>.America’s universities have long been seen as a top destination for the world’s brightest minds — and they’ve brought important tuition revenue and research breakthroughs to U.S. colleges. But international students also have other options, said Fanta Aw, CEO of NAFSA, an association of international educators.-------------------WASHINGTON (AP) — A crackdown on foreign students is alarming colleges, who say the Trump administration is using new tactics and vague justifications to push some students out of the country.College officials worry the new approach will keep foreigners from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-admissions-international-student-enrollment-trump-fd8b6b8f298629bbcc7339568b1c76f3">wanting to study</a>&nbsp;in the U.S.Students stripped of their entry visas are receiving orders from the Department of Homeland Security to leave the country immediately — a break from past practice that often permitted them to stay and complete their studies.Some students have been targeted over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-foreign-students-campus-gaza-protests-deportation-9e2d4abc1c158454da1f68c01062c9ef">pro-Palestinian activism</a>&nbsp;or criminal infractions — or even traffic violations. Others have been left wondering how they ran afoul of the government.At Minnesota State University in Mankato, President Edward Inch told the campus Wednesday that visas had been revoked for five international students for unclear reasons.He said school officials learned about the revocations when they ran a status check in a database of international students after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/university-of-minnesota-graduate-student-detained-ice-f71f517521a2567c795343092ef4e0b2">detention of a Turkish student</a>&nbsp;at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. The State Department said the detention was related to a drunken driving conviction.“These are troubling times, and this situation is unlike any we have navigated before,” Inch wrote in a letter to campus.<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;campaigned on a promise to deport foreign students involved in pro-Palestinian protests, and federal agents started by detaining Columbia graduate student&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/columbia-university-protester-mahmoud-khalil-immigration-arrest-5ae6eeb3ac95f190a505abebc4ee0944">Mahmoud Khalil</a>, a green-card-holder and Palestinian activist who was prominent in protests at Columbia last year. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said last week students are being targeted for involvement in protests along with others tied to “potential criminal activity.”In the past two weeks, the government apparently has widened its crackdown. Officials from colleges around the country have discovered international students have had their entry visas revoked and, in many cases, their legal residency status terminated by authorities without notice — including students at Arizona State, Cornell, North Carolina State, the University of Oregon, the University of Texas and the University of Colorado.Some of the students are working to leave the country on their own, but students at Tufts and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/campus-protests-immigration-alireza-doroudi-alabama-ae498838deb04b22864ef485a71bac27">University of Alabama</a>&nbsp;have been detained by immigration authorities — in the Tufts case, even&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rumeysa-ozturk-deportation-tufts-massachusetts-student-1dd330bef8fb44b05f9818c0020728a0">before the university knew</a>&nbsp;the student’s legal status had changed.<h2>Feds bypass colleges to move against students</h2>In this new wave of enforcement, school officials say the federal government is quietly deleting foreigners’ student records instead of going through colleges, as was done in the past.Students are being ordered to leave the country with a suddenness that universities have rarely seen, said Miriam Feldblum, president and CEO of the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration.In the past, when international students have had entry visas revoked, they generally have been allowed to keep legal residency status. They could stay in the country to study, but would need to renew their visa if they left the U.S. and wanted to return. Now, increasing numbers of students are having their legal status terminated, exposing them to the risk of being arrested.“None of this is regular practice,” Feldblum said.At North Carolina State University, two students from Saudi Arabia left the U.S. after learning their legal status as students was terminated, the university said. N.C. State said it will work with the students to complete their semester from outside the country.Philip Vasto, who lived with one of the students, said his roommate, in graduate school for engineering management, was apolitical and did not attend protests against the war in Gaza. When the government told his roommate his student status had been terminated, it did not give a reason, Vasto said.Since returning to Saudi Arabia, Vasto said his former roommate’s top concern is getting into another university.“He’s made his peace with it,” he said. “He doesn’t want to allow it to steal his peace any further.”<h2>Database checks turn up students in jeopardy</h2>At the University of Texas at Austin, staff checking a federal database discovered two people on student visas had their permission to be in the U.S. terminated, a person familiar with the situation said. The person declined to be identified for fear of retaliation.One of the people, from India, had their legal status terminated April 3. The federal system indicated the person had been identified in a criminal records check “and/or has had their visa revoked.” The other person, from Lebanon, had their legal status terminated March 28 due to a criminal records check, according to the federal database.Both people were graduates remaining in the U.S. on student visas, using an option allowing people to gain professional experience after completing coursework. Both were employed full time and apparently had not violated requirements for pursuing work experience, the person familiar with the situation said.Some students have had visas revoked by the State Department under an obscure law barring noncitizens whose presence could have “serious adverse foreign policy consequences.” Trump invoked the law in a January order demanding action against campus antisemitism.But some students targeted in recent weeks have had no clear link to political activism. Some have been ordered to leave over misdemeanor crimes or traffic infractions, Feldblum said. In some cases, students were targeted for infractions that had been previously reported to the government.Some of the alleged infractions would not have drawn scrutiny in the past and will likely be a test of students’ First Amendment rights as cases work their way through court, said Michelle Mittelstadt, director of public affairs at the Migration Policy Institute.“In some ways, what the administration is doing is really retroactive,” she said. “Rather than saying, ‘This is going to be the standard that we’re applying going forward,’ they’re going back and vetting students based on past expressions or past behavior.”The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities is requesting a meeting with the State Department over the issue. It’s unclear whether more visas are being revoked than usual, but officials fear a chilling effect on international exchange.Many of the association’s members have recently seen at least one student have their visas revoked, said Bernie Burrola, a vice president at the group. With little information from the government, colleges have been interviewing students or searching social media for a connection to political activism.“The universities can’t seem to find anything that seems to be related to Gaza or social media posts or protests,” Burrola said. “Some of these are sponsored students by foreign governments, where they specifically are very hesitant to get involved in protests.”There’s no clear thread indicating which students are being targeted, but some have been from the Middle East and China, he said.America’s universities have long been seen as a top destination for the world’s brightest minds — and they’ve brought important tuition revenue and research breakthroughs to U.S. colleges. But international students also have other options, said Fanta Aw, CEO of NAFSA, an association of international educators.“We should not take for granted that that’s just the way things are and will always be,” she said.<h2>___</h2>

College officials worry crackdown tactics will turn foreign students away

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a violent attack outside a bar in Salina and have made an arrest.&nbsp;

Just before 1:30a.m. Saturday, Police Department were dispatched to a disturbance at Chuck’s, 600 N. Santa Fe in Salina where a subject had a knife. Upon arrival, officers located blood inside and outside the bar. Witnesses reported several subjects being stabbed and had driven themselves to the hospital, according to a media release from police.

A suspect description had been provided, and a Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper observed a subject matching the description running from the area on foot. 

Law enforcement officers located the subject, identified as 21-year-old&nbsp;Dylan Michael Henning of Salina several blocks from the bar and took him into custody without incident.&nbsp;

Law enforcement officers were then advised that two victims with stab wounds had arrived at the hospital for treatment. A 24-year-old male of Salina received one stab wound and was admitted to the hospital with a non-life-threatening injury. A 27-year-old male of Salina had three stab wounds and was treated and released.

The investigation determined that the disturbance began in the bar when Henning and a female associate were removed from the bar. While outside the bar, the disturbance continued when Henning is alleged to have produced a knife and stabbed the victims before fleeing the area. Alcohol was a contributing factor.

Henning was booked into the Saline County Jail on requested charges of four counts of Aggravated Battery with a deadly weapon, felony Interference and one count of Disorderly Conduct.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743877136177.png" alt="Henning photo Saline Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Henning photo Saline Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a violent attack outside a bar in Salina and have made an arrest.&nbsp;Just before 1:30a.m. Saturday, Police Department were dispatched to a disturbance at Chuck’s, 600 N. Santa Fe in Salina where a subject had a knife. Upon arrival, officers located blood inside and outside the bar. Witnesses reported several subjects being stabbed and had driven themselves to the hospital, according to a media release from police.A suspect description had been provided, and a Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper observed a subject matching the description running from the area on foot. Law enforcement officers located the subject, identified as 21-year-old&nbsp;Dylan Michael Henning of Salina several blocks from the bar and took him into custody without incident.&nbsp;Law enforcement officers were then advised that two victims with stab wounds had arrived at the hospital for treatment. A 24-year-old male of Salina received one stab wound and was admitted to the hospital with a non-life-threatening injury. A 27-year-old male of Salina had three stab wounds and was treated and released.The investigation determined that the disturbance began in the bar when Henning and a female associate were removed from the bar. While outside the bar, the disturbance continued when Henning is alleged to have produced a knife and stabbed the victims before fleeing the area. Alcohol was a contributing factor.Henning was booked into the Saline County Jail on requested charges of four counts of Aggravated Battery with a deadly weapon, felony Interference and one count of Disorderly Conduct.

Police: Alcohol led to knife attack outside Kansas bar

SENECA, Kan. (AP) — An Oklahoma man has been charged with first-degree murder in the fatal shooting a Catholic priest at a church rectory in northeast Kansas, authorities said Friday.

Officers called to the Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca on Thursday afternoon found Arul Carasala with gunshot wounds outside the rectory, the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office said in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/NemahaSO/#">a Facebook post</a>. The 57-year-old priest was taken by ambulance to a hospital, where he died.

Sheriff’s deputies and officers with the Seneca Police Department later arrested Gary Hermesch of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Hermesch, 66, was charged Friday and held in the Nemaha County Jail in lieu of $1 million bond, County Attorney Brad Lippert said Friday in a written statement.

The charging complaint says that Hermesch “intentionally and with premeditation” killed Carasala, Lippert said. Lippert did not return phone and email messages Friday seeking more information.

Authorities have not released a possible motive for the shooting or said whether the suspect and the priest knew each other.

Kris Anderson, the parish’s director of religious education, told the AP on Thursday through tears that she knew few details.

“From what we know, an older man walked up to him (Carasala) and shot him three times,” she said.

The priest's death left people in shock in Seneca, a city of about 2,100 where Carasala had been the pastor at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church since 2011,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.saintspeterandpaul-seneca.com/meet-our-pastor/">according to his profile</a>&nbsp;on the parish website.

Carasala was ordained as a priest in 1994 for the Diocese of Cuddapah, located on the southeast coast of his native India. He had served in Kansas since 2004, including as pastor of five Kansas parishes, after he was invited to visit by Archbishop James P. Keleher. Carasala became a U.S. citizen in 2011, while retaining his status as an overseas citizen of India.

Archbishop Joseph Naumann of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/archkck">said in a Facebook post</a>&nbsp;that there was no ongoing threat to the community, but that he recognized the “pain and shock” the priest’s death had brought to the community.

“This senseless act of violence has left us grieving the loss of a beloved priest, leader, and friend,” he wrote.

Seneca is about 60 miles (97 kilometers) north of Topeka, about 90 miles&nbsp; northwest of Kansas City and about 300 miles north of Tulsa.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743787979111.png" alt="Outside the church in Seneca-photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Outside the church in Seneca-photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SENECA, Kan. (AP) — An Oklahoma man has been charged with first-degree murder in the fatal shooting a Catholic priest at a church rectory in northeast Kansas, authorities said Friday.Officers called to the Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca on Thursday afternoon found Arul Carasala with gunshot wounds outside the rectory, the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office said in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/NemahaSO/#">a Facebook post</a>. The 57-year-old priest was taken by ambulance to a hospital, where he died.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743796540386.png" alt="Hermesch photo Nemaha Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Hermesch photo Nemaha Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>Sheriff’s deputies and officers with the Seneca Police Department later arrested Gary Hermesch of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Hermesch, 66, was charged Friday and held in the Nemaha County Jail in lieu of $1 million bond, County Attorney Brad Lippert said Friday in a written statement.The charging complaint says that Hermesch “intentionally and with premeditation” killed Carasala, Lippert said. Lippert did not return phone and email messages Friday seeking more information.Authorities have not released a possible motive for the shooting or said whether the suspect and the priest knew each other.Kris Anderson, the parish’s director of religious education, told the AP on Thursday through tears that she knew few details.“From what we know, an older man walked up to him (Carasala) and shot him three times,” she said.The priest's death left people in shock in Seneca, a city of about 2,100 where Carasala had been the pastor at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church since 2011,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.saintspeterandpaul-seneca.com/meet-our-pastor/">according to his profile</a>&nbsp;on the parish website.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743721682115.png" alt="-Father Arul Carasala-photo courtesy Saints Peter &amp; Paul Parish" />
 <figcaption>-Father Arul Carasala-photo courtesy Saints Peter &amp; Paul Parish</figcaption>
 </figure>Carasala was ordained as a priest in 1994 for the Diocese of Cuddapah, located on the southeast coast of his native India. He had served in Kansas since 2004, including as pastor of five Kansas parishes, after he was invited to visit by Archbishop James P. Keleher. Carasala became a U.S. citizen in 2011, while retaining his status as an overseas citizen of India.Archbishop Joseph Naumann of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/archkck">said in a Facebook post</a>&nbsp;that there was no ongoing threat to the community, but that he recognized the “pain and shock” the priest’s death had brought to the community.“This senseless act of violence has left us grieving the loss of a beloved priest, leader, and friend,” he wrote.Seneca is about 60 miles (97 kilometers) north of Topeka, about 90 miles&nbsp; northwest of Kansas City and about 300 miles north of Tulsa.

Suspect charged with murder in shooting of a beloved Kansas priest

TOPEKA – A Kansas man was sentenced Thursday to 30 years in prison for his involvement in manufacturing child sexual abuse materials.

According to court documents, Taylor Mullen, 33, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit sexual exploitation of a child – production of child pornography, according to the United State's Attorney.

Mullen is the fourth person sentenced in a case involving two separate conspiracies both led by Joel Womochil, 39, the former chief of police in the Marion County community of Burns. 

Womochil pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit sexual exploitation of a child – production of child pornography. In March, he was sentenced to 720 months in prison.

In 2021, Mullen and his girlfriend Jessica Quave, 38, created videos of themselves engaging in sexually explicit behavior with a child under six years old and sent the videos to Womochil.

Quave pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit sexual exploitation of a child - production of child pornography. She was sentenced to 30 years in prison.

Another conspiracy in 2019 took place between Womochil and Denise Renee Sandman, 40, of Indiana. After meeting Womochil online, Sandmann agreed to create images of a child under the age

of five engaged in sexually explicit conduct and send the images to Womochil, which he saved to his hard drive.

Sandmann pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit sexual exploitation of a child – production of child pornography and one count of sexual exploitation of a child – production of child pornography. She was sentenced to 720 months in prison.

“We are grateful to the Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Homeland Security

Investigations for securing the overwhelming evidence against these child predators which led to guilty pleas and ultimately long prison sentences for their crimes,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Duston Slinkard.

The Butler County Sheriff’s Office, Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) investigated the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692237873123.png" alt="Womochil photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Womochil photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA – A Kansas man was sentenced Thursday to 30 years in prison for his involvement in manufacturing child sexual abuse materials.According to court documents, Taylor Mullen, 33, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit sexual exploitation of a child – production of child pornography, according to the United State's Attorney.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743794344309.png" alt="Mullen from his original arrest in the case in Nemaha Co. in 2023" />
 <figcaption>Mullen from his original arrest in the case in Nemaha Co. in 2023</figcaption>
 </figure>Mullen is the fourth person sentenced in a case involving two separate conspiracies both led by Joel Womochil, 39, the former chief of police in the Marion County community of Burns. Womochil pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit sexual exploitation of a child – production of child pornography. In March, he was sentenced to 720 months in prison.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743794641609.png" alt="Quave photo Harvey Co." />
 <figcaption>Quave photo Harvey Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>In 2021, Mullen and his girlfriend Jessica Quave, 38, created videos of themselves engaging in sexually explicit behavior with a child under six years old and sent the videos to Womochil.Quave pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit sexual exploitation of a child - production of child pornography. She was sentenced to 30 years in prison.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743794586991.png" alt="Sandman photo Harvey Co" />
 <figcaption>Sandman photo Harvey Co</figcaption>
 </figure>Another conspiracy in 2019 took place between Womochil and Denise Renee Sandman, 40, of Indiana. After meeting Womochil online, Sandmann agreed to create images of a child under the ageof five engaged in sexually explicit conduct and send the images to Womochil, which he saved to his hard drive.Sandmann pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit sexual exploitation of a child – production of child pornography and one count of sexual exploitation of a child – production of child pornography. She was sentenced to 720 months in prison.“We are grateful to the Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Homeland SecurityInvestigations for securing the overwhelming evidence against these child predators which led to guilty pleas and ultimately long prison sentences for their crimes,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Duston Slinkard.The Butler County Sheriff’s Office, Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) investigated the case.

DOJ: New details of Kansas child sexual abuse conspiracy 

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City.

Just after 9a.m. Friday, Police were dispatched to a shooting in the 6300 block of E. 102 Terrace in Kansas City, Missouri, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

Neighbors in the area heard the sound of shots and looked outside and saw a victim down in the street. On arrival officers located a woman shooting victim down in the street near a vehicle in front of a residence. Officers called for EMS who responded and transported the victim to the hospital for treatment. At the hospital, medical staff pronounced her deceased. 

Preliminary information indicates that the victim was in front of the residence near a vehicle when she had an interaction with an unknown suspect(s) in the street that led to shots being fired striking her.

Police have not released the victim's name or reported an arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743787952762.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte" />
 <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City.Just after 9a.m. Friday, Police were dispatched to a shooting in the 6300 block of E. 102 Terrace in Kansas City, Missouri, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.Neighbors in the area heard the sound of shots and looked outside and saw a victim down in the street. On arrival officers located a woman shooting victim down in the street near a vehicle in front of a residence. Officers called for EMS who responded and transported the victim to the hospital for treatment. At the hospital, medical staff pronounced her deceased. Preliminary information indicates that the victim was in front of the residence near a vehicle when she had an interaction with an unknown suspect(s) in the street that led to shots being fired striking her.Police have not released the victim's name or reported an arrest.

Homicide: Neighbors heard gunshots, found woman on KC street

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect in connection with the theft of and damage to a priceless fixture in the Wichita community.

On Thursday afternoon, police were notified of the theft of a decorative cannon from the Spanish American War Memorial in Riverside Park in Wichita, according to Officer Brad Wright.

Wichita Police immediately notified&nbsp; Patrol Officers, Property Crimes Task Force Officers and Detectives. Around 5:00pm police located the cannon at a residence in the 2000 Block of N Woodland. The cannon was significantly damaged.&nbsp;

The investigation led to the identification of a 37-year-old male suspect identified from sheriff's booking records as Gordon Lyle Pierce of Wichita who was arrested in the 2300 block of N Amidon without incident.&nbsp;

Pierce was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on requested charges of Felony theft, vandalism, possession of methamphetamine and warrants.&nbsp;

Police are working closely with City of Wichita- Government Parks and Recreation regarding this investigation. This cannon was gifted to the City in 1900 and is a priceless fixture in our community.&nbsp;

The facts of this case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney for formal charging consideration.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743766394986.png" alt="Pierce photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Pierce photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect in connection with the theft of and damage to a priceless fixture in the Wichita community.On Thursday afternoon, police were notified of the theft of a decorative cannon from the Spanish American War Memorial in Riverside Park in Wichita, according to Officer Brad Wright.Wichita Police immediately notified&nbsp; Patrol Officers, Property Crimes Task Force Officers and Detectives. Around 5:00pm police located the cannon at a residence in the 2000 Block of N Woodland. The cannon was significantly damaged.&nbsp;The investigation led to the identification of a 37-year-old male suspect identified from sheriff's booking records as Gordon Lyle Pierce of Wichita who was arrested in the 2300 block of N Amidon without incident.&nbsp;Pierce was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on requested charges of Felony theft, vandalism, possession of methamphetamine and warrants.&nbsp;Police are working closely with City of Wichita- Government Parks and Recreation regarding this investigation. This cannon was gifted to the City in 1900 and is a priceless fixture in our community.&nbsp;The facts of this case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney for formal charging consideration.

Police: Kan. man stole priceless war memorial cannon from park 

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating a shooting have arrested a Kansas teen.

On Thursday, police arrested 17-year-old Delron Tyree Jr, of Topeka on a warrant on requested&nbsp;charges that include two counts of Attempted Murder in the 1st degree, Criminal Use of Weapons, Criminal Discharge of a Firearm, and three counts of Criminal Damage to Property, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

&nbsp;Tyree was already confined at the time of arrest for a previously released&nbsp;robbery arrest. &nbsp;This arrest stems from a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rileycountypolice.org/civicalerts.aspx?aid=591">shooting</a>&nbsp; that took place on November 30th.&nbsp; Tyree is being held on a $750,000 bond, according to the Riley County Police Department arrest report.

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating a shooting have arrested a Kansas teen.On Thursday, police arrested 17-year-old Delron Tyree Jr, of Topeka on a warrant on requested&nbsp;charges that include two counts of Attempted Murder in the 1st degree, Criminal Use of Weapons, Criminal Discharge of a Firearm, and three counts of Criminal Damage to Property, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.&nbsp;Tyree was already confined at the time of arrest for a previously released&nbsp;robbery arrest. &nbsp;This arrest stems from a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rileycountypolice.org/civicalerts.aspx?aid=591">shooting</a>&nbsp; that took place on November 30th.&nbsp; Tyree is being held on a $750,000 bond, according to the Riley County Police Department arrest report.

Attempted murder: 17-year-old jailed in Manhattan

DECATUR COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations after a drug bust on Thursday that briefly prompted a lock down at a northwest Kansas high school.

After several months of investigation the Oberlin Police Department and the Decatur County Sheriff's Office executed search warrants on Thursday on three different locations within the city of Oberlin, according to&nbsp;David Wachendorfer. Deputies arrested two suspects and seized drugs, firearms and other contraband. 

 Due to the proximity of the law enforcement activity, Decatur Community High School&nbsp; was placed on lockdown for approximately a half hour while the high-risk portion of the warrant service occurred. 

Deputies arrested 63-year-old Michael Dedeyne and 47-year-old Dacaralei Cleveland, both of Oberlin. They are being held in the&nbsp;Thomas County Jail on requested charges that include possession of controlled substances and firearms violations.

All operations were concluded without incident, with no injuries or adverse actions involving either suspects or officers.

The Oberlin Police Department, was assisted by the Decatur County Sheriff's Office,&nbsp;Sheridan County Sheriff's Department, the&nbsp;Thomas County Sheriff's Office, the&nbsp;Gove County Sheriff's Office, the&nbsp;Oakley, Ks. Police Department, and the Department of&nbsp;Kansas Wildlife &amp; Parks - Game Wardens.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743761911225.png" alt="Dedeyne photo Thomas Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Dedeyne photo Thomas Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>DECATUR COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations after a drug bust on Thursday that briefly prompted a lock down at a northwest Kansas high school.After several months of investigation the Oberlin Police Department and the Decatur County Sheriff's Office executed search warrants on Thursday on three different locations within the city of Oberlin, according to&nbsp;David Wachendorfer. Deputies arrested two suspects and seized drugs, firearms and other contraband. Due to the proximity of the law enforcement activity, Decatur Community High School&nbsp; was placed on lockdown for approximately a half hour while the high-risk portion of the warrant service occurred. Deputies arrested 63-year-old Michael Dedeyne and 47-year-old Dacaralei Cleveland, both of Oberlin. They are being held in the&nbsp;Thomas County Jail on requested charges that include possession of controlled substances and firearms violations.All operations were concluded without incident, with no injuries or adverse actions involving either suspects or officers.The Oberlin Police Department, was assisted by the Decatur County Sheriff's Office,&nbsp;Sheridan County Sheriff's Department, the&nbsp;Thomas County Sheriff's Office, the&nbsp;Gove County Sheriff's Office, the&nbsp;Oakley, Ks. Police Department, and the Department of&nbsp;Kansas Wildlife &amp; Parks - Game Wardens.

NW Kansas school briefly locked down during drug bust

NEMAHA COUNTY&nbsp;– The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office are investigating a murder that occurred Thursday in Seneca, Kansas..

Just before 3p.m., a 911 call was placed reporting shots fired at the Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church rectory at 411 Pioneer St., in Seneca, according to a media release from the KBI.

Deputies from the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office and officers from the Seneca Police Department arrived and discovered Father Arul Carasala, 57, of Seneca, outside the residence suffering from gunshot wounds.

Seneca EMS arrived and transported Father Carasala to the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital. Despite life-saving measures, he died at the hospital from his injuries.

Kansas Highway Patrol troopers responded and helped secure the scene. Shortly after,&nbsp; deputies from the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office and officers from the Seneca Police Department took Gary L. Hermesch, 66, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, into custody. He was booked into the Nemaha County Jail on requested charges of first-degree murder.

Joseph F. Naumann, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Kansas City, Kansas, announced the death on social media Thursday afternoon,

 "I am heartbroken to share the tragic news of the death of Fr. Arul Carasala, who was fatally shot earlier today.," wrote Naumann.

" This senseless act of violence has left us grieving the loss of a beloved priest, leader, and friend."

The Archbishop described "Fr. Carasala as "a devoted and zealous pastor who faithfully served our Archdiocese for over twenty years, including as dean of the Nemaha-Marshall region. His love for Christ and His Church was evident in how he ministered to his people with great generosity and care. His parishioners, friends, and brother priests will deeply miss him."

"In this time of sorrow, let us entrust Fr. Carasala to the mercy of God and lift up in prayer his family in Cuddapah, India, his parish community at Saints Peter and Paul in Seneca, and all who mourn his passing. Let us also pray for the perpetrator, that God may touch and transform his heart."

" I recognize the pain and shock that such an event brings. In moments like these, we turn to our Lord, who is close to the brokenhearted. As we grieve, may we find strength in our faith and in the hope of Christ’s Resurrection."

The Knights of Columbus were scheduled to lead a Rosary at Saints Peter and Paul Parish in Seneca Thursday evening.&nbsp; Naumann was also going to celebrate a Mass there after the Rosary.&nbsp;

"Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen." Nauman wrote.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743721682115.png" alt="-Father Arul Carasala-photo courtesy Saints Peter &amp; Paul Parish" />
 <figcaption>-Father Arul Carasala-photo courtesy Saints Peter &amp; Paul Parish</figcaption>
 </figure>NEMAHA COUNTY&nbsp;– The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office are investigating a murder that occurred Thursday in Seneca, Kansas..Just before 3p.m., a 911 call was placed reporting shots fired at the Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church rectory at 411 Pioneer St., in Seneca, according to a media release from the KBI.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743730286838.png" alt="Hermesch photo Nemaha Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Hermesch photo Nemaha Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>Deputies from the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office and officers from the Seneca Police Department arrived and discovered Father Arul Carasala, 57, of Seneca, outside the residence suffering from gunshot wounds.Seneca EMS arrived and transported Father Carasala to the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital. Despite life-saving measures, he died at the hospital from his injuries.Kansas Highway Patrol troopers responded and helped secure the scene. Shortly after,&nbsp; deputies from the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office and officers from the Seneca Police Department took Gary L. Hermesch, 66, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, into custody. He was booked into the Nemaha County Jail on requested charges of first-degree murder.Joseph F. Naumann, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Kansas City, Kansas, announced the death on social media Thursday afternoon, "I am heartbroken to share the tragic news of the death of Fr. Arul Carasala, who was fatally shot earlier today.," wrote Naumann." This senseless act of violence has left us grieving the loss of a beloved priest, leader, and friend."The Archbishop described "Fr. Carasala as "a devoted and zealous pastor who faithfully served our Archdiocese for over twenty years, including as dean of the Nemaha-Marshall region. His love for Christ and His Church was evident in how he ministered to his people with great generosity and care. His parishioners, friends, and brother priests will deeply miss him.""In this time of sorrow, let us entrust Fr. Carasala to the mercy of God and lift up in prayer his family in Cuddapah, India, his parish community at Saints Peter and Paul in Seneca, and all who mourn his passing. Let us also pray for the perpetrator, that God may touch and transform his heart."" I recognize the pain and shock that such an event brings. In moments like these, we turn to our Lord, who is close to the brokenhearted. As we grieve, may we find strength in our faith and in the hope of Christ’s Resurrection."The Knights of Columbus were scheduled to lead a Rosary at Saints Peter and Paul Parish in Seneca Thursday evening.&nbsp; Naumann was also going to celebrate a Mass there after the Rosary.&nbsp;"Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen." Nauman wrote.Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

Suspect arrested in shooting death of priest at parish rectory in Kansas

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

A former Thomas More Prep-Marian employee has been arrested on a requested  charge of theft from the school.

Joseph Arnold Roth, 31, of Hays, was arrested on Feb. 25 for allegedly transferring $19,153 from a TMP account into his personal account on or about Feb. 5, according to court records.

The crime is listed in court records as a level 9 nonperson felony.

Roths was released on a $2,500 bond. He entered a not guilty plea on March 10.

Roth is set for a first appearance in Ellis County District court in front of Judge Richard Flax at 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 8.

The Hays Post contacted TMP Principal Chad Meitner, and he said the school had no comment on the case at this time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743699431355.png" alt="Roth photo Ellis County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Roth photo Ellis County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostA former Thomas More Prep-Marian employee has been arrested on a requested charge of theft from the school.Joseph Arnold Roth, 31, of Hays, was arrested on Feb. 25 for allegedly transferring $19,153 from a TMP account into his personal account on or about Feb. 5, according to court records.The crime is listed in court records as a level 9 nonperson felony.Roths was released on a $2,500 bond. He entered a not guilty plea on March 10.Roth is set for a first appearance in Ellis County District court in front of Judge Richard Flax at 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 8.The Hays Post contacted TMP Principal Chad Meitner, and he said the school had no comment on the case at this time.

Former Kan. school employee accused of theft of funds from school

KANSAS CITY —The Amber Alert for a missing 16-year-old who was believed to be pregnant and traveling possibly through Kansas City toward Arkansas in February has been canceled, according to Beaver Dam, Wisconsin Police.

Just after 11:30p.m. Wednesday, the Sarpy County, Nebraska Sheriff's office notified the Beaver Dam, Wisconsin Police Department that sheriff deputies in Nebraska responded to a tip of a possible sighting near of the teen near Omaha, Nebraska.

Law enforcement made contact with girl who was with an adult male also matching the description of the suspect she was identified leaving with, 40-year-old Gary Day.

  Their identities were positively confirmed and as a result, deputies took Day into custody.&nbsp; He is being held on requested charges that include&nbsp;Contribute to delinquency of child,&nbsp;False reporting misdemeanor and&nbsp;Fugitive from justice/prior to gov. warrant, according to online jail records.

 Sophia Franklin was taken to a secure facility to await re-unification with her family..

KANSAS CITY —The Missouri State Highway Patrol on Wednesday night&nbsp; issued an Amber Alert following an active Amber Alert from Wisconsin.

Sophia Franklin, 16,&nbsp; was last seen at her residence at 9:00p.m. February 2, according to the Alert.

She is believed to be with Gary F. Day. He was last seen at her residence just before 8a.m. February 3. There is a no contact order for Gary and Sophia. Sophia is 3 months pregnant.

﻿ Officials say they believe she is traveling south to Arkansas. ﻿ ﻿ If you see them call police.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739412488707.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —The Amber Alert for a missing 16-year-old who was believed to be pregnant and traveling possibly through Kansas City toward Arkansas in February has been canceled, according to Beaver Dam, Wisconsin Police.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743688497395.png" alt="Day photo Sarpy County jail" />
 <figcaption>Day photo Sarpy County jail</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 11:30p.m. Wednesday, the Sarpy County, Nebraska Sheriff's office notified the Beaver Dam, Wisconsin Police Department that sheriff deputies in Nebraska responded to a tip of a possible sighting near of the teen near Omaha, Nebraska.Law enforcement made contact with girl who was with an adult male also matching the description of the suspect she was identified leaving with, 40-year-old Gary Day. Their identities were positively confirmed and as a result, deputies took Day into custody.&nbsp; He is being held on requested charges that include&nbsp;Contribute to delinquency of child,&nbsp;False reporting misdemeanor and&nbsp;Fugitive from justice/prior to gov. warrant, according to online jail records. Sophia Franklin was taken to a secure facility to await re-unification with her family..---------KANSAS CITY —The Missouri State Highway Patrol on Wednesday night&nbsp; issued an Amber Alert following an active Amber Alert from Wisconsin.Sophia Franklin, 16,&nbsp; was last seen at her residence at 9:00p.m. February 2, according to the Alert.She is believed to be with Gary F. Day. He was last seen at her residence just before 8a.m. February 3. There is a no contact order for Gary and Sophia. Sophia is 3 months pregnant.﻿ Officials say they believe she is traveling south to Arkansas. ﻿ ﻿ If you see them call police.

Amber Alert canceled: Missing teen found, suspect arrested

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating alleged identity theft and have made an arrest.

Just before 3:30p.m. Tuesday, officers filed a report for forgery, attempted unlawful obtaining a prescription drug and identity theft in the 500 block of 3rd Pl in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity re port,

&nbsp;A 30-year-old woman and a 50-year-old woman were reported a 35-year-old woman used the victim’s information to attempt to obtain a prescription drug. 

Marijke Torres, 35, of Manhattan was arrested on requested charges of attempted unlawful obtaining a prescription drug, forgery and 3 counts of identity theft. Torres was issued a total bond of $14,000 and is no longer in custody, according to the RCPD.&nbsp;&nbsp;

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating alleged identity theft and have made an arrest.Just before 3:30p.m. Tuesday, officers filed a report for forgery, attempted unlawful obtaining a prescription drug and identity theft in the 500 block of 3rd Pl in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity re port,&nbsp;A 30-year-old woman and a 50-year-old woman were reported a 35-year-old woman used the victim’s information to attempt to obtain a prescription drug. Marijke Torres, 35, of Manhattan was arrested on requested charges of attempted unlawful obtaining a prescription drug, forgery and 3 counts of identity theft. Torres was issued a total bond of $14,000 and is no longer in custody, according to the RCPD.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Manhattan woman accused of forgery, ID theft

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—Law enforcement are investigating a series of homicides in Kansas City since last Friday.

Just after 11pm Monday, police were dispatched to a medical call in the 3000 block of Mersington, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.&nbsp; First responders found a man later identified as 51-year-old Eric Stennis unresponsive in the street with unknown significant injuries. EMS treated him but ultimately declared him deceased at the scene.&nbsp;

Based on preliminary information from people who were at the scene when officers arrived Stennis had an interaction with unknown subject(s) nearby that led to him being injured.&nbsp;&nbsp;Through investigation, detectives&nbsp; identified a subject of interest, an adult male, and he is in custody, according to Becchina.

Just before 2p.m. Monday, police were called to report of a shooting in the 9800 block of Marsh, according to KCPD Officer Phil DiMartino. First responders located two shooting victims, a man and woman later identified as 32-year-old&nbsp;Derrick D. Rhodes and 30-year-old&nbsp;Aminah C. Johnson, in the front of a residence there.

 Officers rendered aid until EMS arrived and took over. EMS transported both victims to the hospital for treatment of life threatening injuries. Initial responding officers took one adult male subject of interest into custody for further investigation. Late Monday afternoon detectives were notified that both Rhodes and Johnson were declared deceased at the hospital.

Preliminary investigation indicates that a disturbance took place at the residence, between multiple subjects known to each other, which escalated into gunfire that struck both the deceased victims.

Just before 7p.m. Saturday, patrol officers were dispatched to the 5600 block of E 29th Street on a reported shooting. Upon arrival officers were directed to the front yard of a residence on 29th street. They located a Ahmed suffering from gunshot wounds. Emergency medical personnel responded and pronounced her deceased on scene.

Police have not reported an arrest or suspect details.

Just before 4a.m. Saturday, police responded to the 4300 block of North Corrington regarding a follow up to a missing persons investigation, according to KCPD&nbsp;Sergeant Phil DiMartino. First respondes were directed to a motel room where they located a man and woman. Both were suffering from gun shot wounds and were pronounced deceased on scene. Police have not reported an arrest.

Just after 8:30p.m. Friday, patrol officers were dispatched to the 400 block of Park in Kansas City on a reported shooting, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino. First responders found a man lying in the roadway suffering from gunshot wounds. Officers immediately began performing life saving measures and ordered EMS to the scene. Medics responded and pronounced the victim deceased.&nbsp; Police have not reported an arrest in this case.

Just before&nbsp;7:30p.m. March 26, patrol&nbsp;officers were dispatched to a shooting in the&nbsp;3700&nbsp;block&nbsp;of&nbsp;St.&nbsp;John, according to Sheriff Daryl Forte. First responders were directed to the parking lot&nbsp;of&nbsp;a convenience&nbsp;store at the corner&nbsp;of&nbsp;St.&nbsp;John&nbsp;and Monroe. They found a man suffering from gunshot wounds. They immediately began performing life saving measures and summoned emergency medical personnel to the scene. EMS pronounced the victim deceased on scene.

This is being investigated as a homicide. Police have not reported an arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743107951249.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation March 26-photo Sheriff Daryl Forte" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation March 26-photo Sheriff Daryl Forte</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo.—Law enforcement are investigating a series of homicides in Kansas City since last Friday.Just after 11pm Monday, police were dispatched to a medical call in the 3000 block of Mersington, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.&nbsp; First responders found a man later identified as 51-year-old Eric Stennis unresponsive in the street with unknown significant injuries. EMS treated him but ultimately declared him deceased at the scene.&nbsp;Based on preliminary information from people who were at the scene when officers arrived Stennis had an interaction with unknown subject(s) nearby that led to him being injured.&nbsp;&nbsp;Through investigation, detectives&nbsp; identified a subject of interest, an adult male, and he is in custody, according to Becchina.Just before 2p.m. Monday, police were called to report of a shooting in the 9800 block of Marsh, according to KCPD Officer Phil DiMartino. First responders located two shooting victims, a man and woman later identified as 32-year-old&nbsp;Derrick D. Rhodes and 30-year-old&nbsp;Aminah C. Johnson, in the front of a residence there. Officers rendered aid until EMS arrived and took over. EMS transported both victims to the hospital for treatment of life threatening injuries. Initial responding officers took one adult male subject of interest into custody for further investigation. Late Monday afternoon detectives were notified that both Rhodes and Johnson were declared deceased at the hospital.Preliminary investigation indicates that a disturbance took place at the residence, between multiple subjects known to each other, which escalated into gunfire that struck both the deceased victims.Just before 7p.m. Saturday, patrol officers were dispatched to the 5600 block of E 29th Street on a reported shooting. Upon arrival officers were directed to the front yard of a residence on 29th street. They located a Ahmed suffering from gunshot wounds. Emergency medical personnel responded and pronounced her deceased on scene.Police have not reported an arrest or suspect details.Just before 4a.m. Saturday, police responded to the 4300 block of North Corrington regarding a follow up to a missing persons investigation, according to KCPD&nbsp;Sergeant Phil DiMartino. First respondes were directed to a motel room where they located a man and woman. Both were suffering from gun shot wounds and were pronounced deceased on scene. Police have not reported an arrest.Just after 8:30p.m. Friday, patrol officers were dispatched to the 400 block of Park in Kansas City on a reported shooting, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino. First responders found a man lying in the roadway suffering from gunshot wounds. Officers immediately began performing life saving measures and ordered EMS to the scene. Medics responded and pronounced the victim deceased.&nbsp; Police have not reported an arrest in this case.Just before&nbsp;7:30p.m. March 26, patrol&nbsp;officers were dispatched to a shooting in the&nbsp;3700&nbsp;block&nbsp;of&nbsp;St.&nbsp;John, according to Sheriff Daryl Forte. First responders were directed to the parking lot&nbsp;of&nbsp;a convenience&nbsp;store at the corner&nbsp;of&nbsp;St.&nbsp;John&nbsp;and Monroe. They found a man suffering from gunshot wounds. They immediately began performing life saving measures and summoned emergency medical personnel to the scene. EMS pronounced the victim deceased on scene.This is being investigated as a homicide. Police have not reported an arrest.

8 homicide victims in Kansas City over the past week

JOHNSON COUNTY —A former Kansas high school Choir Director is going to prison for sex crimes.

On Friday, Judge Thomas Sutherland sentenced 35-year-old Micah Horton to 34-months for unlawful sexual relations, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office.

After an investigation in March of 2024, Olathe Police arrested Horton who was&nbsp;the Choir Director at Olathe North High School. He pleaded guilty to three counts of unlawful sexual relations. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710373305440.png" alt="Horton photo Johnson Co." />
 <figcaption>Horton photo Johnson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —A former Kansas high school Choir Director is going to prison for sex crimes.On Friday, Judge Thomas Sutherland sentenced 35-year-old Micah Horton to 34-months for unlawful sexual relations, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office.After an investigation in March of 2024, Olathe Police arrested Horton who was&nbsp;the Choir Director at Olathe North High School. He pleaded guilty to three counts of unlawful sexual relations.