1-year-old shot, killed in south Wichita, WPD chief calls for ‘coward’ to turn themselves in

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) - Tuesday afternoon Update: The Wichita Police Department confirmed a one-year-old child was shot and killed Monday night at an apartment complex in the 2500 block of S. Oliver. Two women, both ages 24, also suffered critical but non-life-threatening injuries during the shooting, according to police.

“It was initially advised that the child was 3-months-old at the time of the preliminary briefing, but as the investigation unfolded, it was learned that the correct age is 1-year-old,” the police department said.

Additional people inside the apartment at the time of the shooting included a 24-year-old man, a 5-year-old girl, and a 10-month-old girl. Although the suspect fired multiple rounds into the apartment, police said those three were not injured.

Police said the circumstances leading up to the shooting are still under investigation. No arrest has been made.

“I am deeply saddened and outraged by the violent and heinous crime that has occurred in our community. The killing of a 1-year-old child is an unspeakable tragedy that has left us all shaken. This senseless act of violence strikes at the core of our community’s values. Our children should be cherished and protected, not subjected to such senseless acts,” said Chief Sullivan

This is still an active investigation. Anyone with information on this case is asked to call the WPD Investigators at 316-268-4407 or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111. (Case 24C029658)

Monday night Update: The Wichita Police Department confirmed a 3-month-old baby died from his injuries and two 24-year-old women suffered critical injuries in a shooting at a southeast Wichita apartment complex.

Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan said there were three children inside the home at the time of the shooting, reported about 7:20 p.m. at Sugar Creek Apartments near Pawnee and Oliver.

As of late Monday night police continued to follow up on leads, working toward making an arrest.

“We have strong direction,” Sullivan said.

Sullivan said a “cowardly individual” fired on the home without knowing or caring who was inside.

“Once again, somebody wanted a permanent solution to what I’m sure was a temporary problem,” he said.

Sullivan said investigators have the “strong direction” with witnesses cooperating, angered by what happened.

“People are mad,” he said.

Update: Sedgwick County dispatch confirmed three people suffered critical injuries in the shooting reported at the Sugar Creek apartment complex near Pawnee and Oliver. Of the three injured, one was unresponsive.

Near the scene, a neighbor, across the street from the shooting scene, described hearing 10 to 15 gunshots as she spoke on the phone.

“I knew it wasn’t firecrackers,” the woman who identified herself as “Joanie” said.

She said she “hadn’t experienced anything like this before,” and not long after hearing the shots, a police officer knows on her door. Joanie said the officer asked her how to get in touch with the apartment complex’s manager.

At the scene, a 12 News crew saw three ambulances that left the scene with lights and sirens on.

At least two people suffered critical injuries in a shooting reported about 7:20 p.m. at an apartment complex in the 2500 block of South Oliver, near Pawnee and Oliver.

12 News sent a crew to gather information.