The holidays haven’t been all peace and goodwill in Wichita. Police spent the last week responding to a string of deadly shootings and accidents.
According to news releases:
HOME INVASION
Police responded to a home invasion and shooting that occurred around 8:20 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 27, in the 100 block of North Ash. One man is dead, another remains hospitalized in critical condition, a neighbor has been arrested and police are searching for a second suspect.
When officers arrived, they found a 52-year-old male and 67-year-old male inside the home with gunshot wounds. Both were transported to a local hospital. The 52-year-old was later pronounced dead at the hospital. The 67-year-old remains in critical but stable condition.
Investigators learned that an unknown suspect fled the residence on foot. The motive for the home invasion remains under investigation.
The neighbor was arrested and booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on second-degree reckless murder.
Anyone with information is urged to call investigators at 316-268-4111 for non-emergency tips. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111.
ACCIDENTAL SHOOTING
Police arrested an 18-year-old after he shot and critically injured another 18-year-old about 10 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 23 night inside a south Wichita home.
Officers responded to a report of a shooting in the 3600 block of South Eisenhower Court and found the victim suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper body. Investigators determined the victim was in the basement with a friend showing him two firearms. During the interaction, the friend reportedly pointed one of the firearms at the victim and fired, striking him. The victim was transported to a local hospital in critical condition.
The 18-year-old suspect was arrested and booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on a charge of aggravated battery.
“Tragically we have another incident where we have two young adults playing with a firearm not practicing responsible gun ownership or handling,” Police Chief Joe Sullivan said. “It is tragic that at this time of year when families are supposed to be celebrating this joyous holiday season coming two families lives have forever been changed.”
BOY, 14, SHOT DEAD
Wichita arrested a 15-year-old boy in connection with a fatal shooting Monday, Dec. 22 in north Wichita.
Officers were dispatched to a reported shooting in the 2600 block of N. Fairview. A RAVEN gunshot-detection alert was recorded at about 3:15 p.m. When officers arrived, they found a 14-year-old boy with a gunshot wound to the upper torso. Officers and EMS immediately began life-saving measures.
The teen was transported to a local hospital in critical condition and later died.
Preliminary information indicates four males, ages 14 to 18, were in a backyard when the shooting occurred.
A 15-year-old was taken to be interviewed and later booked into the Juvenile Intake Assessment Center (JIAC) on a charge of second-degree murder.
A firearm was located at the scene, and further testing will be completed to determine if it was the firearm used in the homicide.
The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office for formal charging consideration.
DOUBLE OVERDOSE
Wichita Police are investigating after two adults were found deceased inside a home in the 1600 block of North Glendale Monday morning.
At approximately 9:23 a.m. on Dec. 22, EMS responded to the residence for a medical call involving a 46-year-old man reporting chest pain. He was transported to Wesley Medical Center in stable condition.
A short time later, a neighbor became concerned after realizing the man taken to the hospital did not live at the residence. The neighbor entered the home and discovered an adult man and an adult woman unresponsive in the basement. The neighbor called 911 at 9:53 a.m.
Officers arrived and located the two individuals. EMS pronounced both deceased at 10:04 a.m. The deceased have been identified as 45-year-old Eric Taylor, who lived in the home, and 38-year-old Regina Reynolds.
The case is currently being treated as an overdose investigation. Detectives are continuing to gather information.
FATAL ACCIDENT
Wichita police have arrested a 16-year-old male from Wichita in connection with an accident that left a 14-year-old female in critical condition.
On Dec. 22, 2025, at approximately 12:42 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 2700 block of North Shelton Avenue. Upon arrival, officers found the 14-year-old female suffering from a severe head injury. Officers immediately began life-saving measures until EMS arrived. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where she remains in critical condition.
Preliminary investigations indicate the victim and a 15-year-old female were riding on the roof of a car driven by the 16-year-old suspect. Both teens began sliding off the roof, and the victim fell, striking her head on the pavement.
The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office for formal charging.
“Tragically, we have a 14-year-old whose life—and her family’s life—will be changed forever,” Sullivan said. “And two other young people whose lives will also be changed. We need to remind our children about safety when operating cars. Reckless choices can change lives forever. Safety first because accidents last.”
