SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating and arrested four suspects.

Just after 11:30p.m. Monday, a police officer in the area of 21st and Hood in Wichita and heard gunshots nearby, according to Police Captain Jason Stephens

The officer drove toward the sound of the gunshots and saw a white Ford Edge SUV traveling at a high rate of speed from the area of West 1600 West 21st North.

Police stopped the vehicle and arrested&nbsp; 22-year-old Luis Martinez, 18-year-old Nicholas Olmos, 20-year-old Jaylon Pete and a 16-year-old boy.

Witnesses in the area told police they saw the SUV in the vicinity near the time of the shooting. Police also recovered a handgun from inside the vehicle.

Investigators learned that the four suspects at the apartment complex for the purpose of conducting an illegal drug transaction, according to Stephens. During the transaction, there was a physical altercation and one of the suspects fired a gun at the identified as Jose Covarrubias.&nbsp; Police have not released information of which suspect is the shooter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621964526318.png" alt="Olmos photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Olmos photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating and arrested four suspects.Just after 11:30p.m. Monday, a police officer in the area of 21st and Hood in Wichita and heard gunshots nearby, according to Police Captain Jason StephensThe officer drove toward the sound of the gunshots and saw a white Ford Edge SUV traveling at a high rate of speed from the area of West 1600 West 21st North.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621964500907.png" alt="Martinez photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Martinez photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Police stopped the vehicle and arrested&nbsp; 22-year-old Luis Martinez, 18-year-old Nicholas Olmos, 20-year-old Jaylon Pete and a 16-year-old boy.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621964558526.png" alt="Pete photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Pete photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Witnesses in the area told police they saw the SUV in the vicinity near the time of the shooting. Police also recovered a handgun from inside the vehicle.Investigators learned that the four suspects at the apartment complex for the purpose of conducting an illegal drug transaction, according to Stephens. During the transaction, there was a physical altercation and one of the suspects fired a gun at the identified as Jose Covarrubias.&nbsp; Police have not released information of which suspect is the shooter.

16-year-old among 4 jailed for another Kan. drug deal killing

KANSAS CITY (AP) — The state-controlled board that oversees Kansas City's police department has voted to initiate legal action over city leaders' decision to change how some of the department's budget gets spent.

The Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners voted in a closed meeting on Monday to initiate legal action to enforce its authority over the department's budget. Two commission members who are attorneys, Nathan Garrett and Cathy Dean, will work with outside lawyers to discuss the board's legal options.

The vote comes after Mayor Quinton Lucas and eight city council members&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-michael-brown-kansas-city-police-government-and-politics-4803a9283551f58639d2e2ae6c922cc2">voted</a>&nbsp;on Thursday to reallocate about $42 million of the department's budget to a new fund that would emphasize social services such as community engagement and mental health programs. The department's budget was about $238 million in the last fiscal year.

Those votes came only hours after Lucas publicly announced the proposals, and infuriated the board of commissioners and council members from suburban Kansas City who said they were not notified ahead of time.

The ordinances would require the city manager to negotiate with the police board over how the money in the new fund is spent. The department also would receive about $3 million more to fund a police recruit class.

Opponents charge the change is a roundabout way to “defund” the police department. Lucas has rejected that characterization, saying the ordinances will actually increase the department's budget when the $3 million is added for the recruiting class.

Under state law, only the board of commissioners has authority over the police department. Other than the mayor, board members are appointed by the Missouri governor. The arrangement began in 1939 when state officials were trying to uproot corruption in Kansas City from the Tom Pendergast political machine.

The state's control of the city's police department has caused tension for years. The tension has grown since local protests following the death in Minneapolis of George Floyd last year and since local activists' calls for Kansas City Police Chief Rick Smith to resign or be fired that stemmed in part from his handling of the protests.

Seven civil rights organizations held a news conference Tuesday to support Lucas and the proposed changes, and to repeat calls that Smith leave the police department.

The Rev. Rodney Williams, president of the Kansas City branch of the NAACP, said the mayor's “bold” action would help ensure minority voices are heard.

“Not only is this a radical move in the right direction. It is also a smart one,” Williams said. “It is smart because it is not defunding the police department. Rather, it raises the level of accountability for the police department to operate, because as it stands in the present moment, our police department is operating without any accountability to the citizens that pay taxes, or to any other entity."

Lucas was the only member of the police board to vote against litigation, but he has said he would welcome a lawsuit over the proposed budget changes.

He argued the current arrangement might violate the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which requires that people be treated equally under the law, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article251640123.html">reported</a>.

“Diminishing voices of people of Kansas City, diminishing the ability for the people of Kansas City to actually have some role in how budgetary decisions are made...is fundamentally unfair,” Lucas said. “I think it’s fundamentally unconstitutional and I am perfectly willing to argue that in a state or federal court. I think Kansas Citians have grown frustrated enough to argue that.”

Garrett&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-05-25/kansas-city-police-board-will-consider-legal-action-to-keep-total-control-of-police-budget">told KCUR</a>&nbsp;that the commission would have preferred to discuss the matter before Lucas surprised members with the announcement.

“But once those ordinances passed, the fuse was lit and we are in a time-crunch to address swiftly lest we are unable to fund Department operations,” Garrett said.

Two Kansas City-area state lawmakers, Rep. Doug Richey, an Excelsior Springs Republican, and Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer, a Parkville Republican, said they will consider filing legislation during the next session to stop such police budget changes in the future.

Luetkemeyer also has said Gov. Mike Parson should consider calling a special session to address the issue.

Parson has not committed to a special session but criticized the proposed changes during an interview Monday on a Kansas City radio station.

“I think that if you’re trying in a round about way to say, ‘OK, I’m going to try and be a little bit clever on how I’m defunding police,’ you gotta be careful with that,” Parson said. “I think people are smart enough to see through that.”

KANSAS CITY (AP) — The state-controlled board that oversees Kansas City's police department has voted to initiate legal action over city leaders' decision to change how some of the department's budget gets spent.The Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners voted in a closed meeting on Monday to initiate legal action to enforce its authority over the department's budget. Two commission members who are attorneys, Nathan Garrett and Cathy Dean, will work with outside lawyers to discuss the board's legal options.The vote comes after Mayor Quinton Lucas and eight city council members&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-michael-brown-kansas-city-police-government-and-politics-4803a9283551f58639d2e2ae6c922cc2">voted</a>&nbsp;on Thursday to reallocate about $42 million of the department's budget to a new fund that would emphasize social services such as community engagement and mental health programs. The department's budget was about $238 million in the last fiscal year.Those votes came only hours after Lucas publicly announced the proposals, and infuriated the board of commissioners and council members from suburban Kansas City who said they were not notified ahead of time.The ordinances would require the city manager to negotiate with the police board over how the money in the new fund is spent. The department also would receive about $3 million more to fund a police recruit class.Opponents charge the change is a roundabout way to “defund” the police department. Lucas has rejected that characterization, saying the ordinances will actually increase the department's budget when the $3 million is added for the recruiting class.Under state law, only the board of commissioners has authority over the police department. Other than the mayor, board members are appointed by the Missouri governor. The arrangement began in 1939 when state officials were trying to uproot corruption in Kansas City from the Tom Pendergast political machine.The state's control of the city's police department has caused tension for years. The tension has grown since local protests following the death in Minneapolis of George Floyd last year and since local activists' calls for Kansas City Police Chief Rick Smith to resign or be fired that stemmed in part from his handling of the protests.Seven civil rights organizations held a news conference Tuesday to support Lucas and the proposed changes, and to repeat calls that Smith leave the police department.The Rev. Rodney Williams, president of the Kansas City branch of the NAACP, said the mayor's “bold” action would help ensure minority voices are heard.“Not only is this a radical move in the right direction. It is also a smart one,” Williams said. “It is smart because it is not defunding the police department. Rather, it raises the level of accountability for the police department to operate, because as it stands in the present moment, our police department is operating without any accountability to the citizens that pay taxes, or to any other entity."Lucas was the only member of the police board to vote against litigation, but he has said he would welcome a lawsuit over the proposed budget changes.He argued the current arrangement might violate the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which requires that people be treated equally under the law, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article251640123.html">reported</a>.“Diminishing voices of people of Kansas City, diminishing the ability for the people of Kansas City to actually have some role in how budgetary decisions are made...is fundamentally unfair,” Lucas said. “I think it’s fundamentally unconstitutional and I am perfectly willing to argue that in a state or federal court. I think Kansas Citians have grown frustrated enough to argue that.”Garrett&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-05-25/kansas-city-police-board-will-consider-legal-action-to-keep-total-control-of-police-budget">told KCUR</a>&nbsp;that the commission would have preferred to discuss the matter before Lucas surprised members with the announcement.“But once those ordinances passed, the fuse was lit and we are in a time-crunch to address swiftly lest we are unable to fund Department operations,” Garrett said.Two Kansas City-area state lawmakers, Rep. Doug Richey, an Excelsior Springs Republican, and Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer, a Parkville Republican, said they will consider filing legislation during the next session to stop such police budget changes in the future.Luetkemeyer also has said Gov. Mike Parson should consider calling a special session to address the issue.Parson has not committed to a special session but criticized the proposed changes during an interview Monday on a Kansas City radio station.“I think that if you’re trying in a round about way to say, ‘OK, I’m going to try and be a little bit clever on how I’m defunding police,’ you gotta be careful with that,” Parson said. “I think people are smart enough to see through that.”

Kansas City board considers legal action on police funding

CHASE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 10p.m. Tuesday in Chase County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Dodge Caravan driven by Stephens, Ashley Marie Stephens,39, Paris, Tennessee, was westbound on U.S. 50 four miles east of Strong City.

The driver failed to maintain the lane. The van crossed to the left of the center and struck an eastbound 2020 Freightliner semi driven by Abdoulaye&nbsp;Oumar, 41, Independence, Kentucky.

Stephens was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Brown Bennett Alexander Funeral Home.

Oumar and a passenger in the semi were not injured. The KHP did not report complete seat belt, information.

CHASE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 10p.m. Tuesday in Chase County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Dodge Caravan driven by Stephens, Ashley Marie Stephens,39, Paris, Tennessee, was westbound on U.S. 50 four miles east of Strong City.The driver failed to maintain the lane. The van crossed to the left of the center and struck an eastbound 2020 Freightliner semi driven by Abdoulaye&nbsp;Oumar, 41, Independence, Kentucky.Stephens was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Brown Bennett Alexander Funeral Home.Oumar and a passenger in the semi were not injured. The KHP did not report complete seat belt, information.

Woman dies after van, semi crash on Kansas highway

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A high school student told a sheriff’s deputy that a Kansas House member kicked him in the testicles while the lawmaker was working as a substitute teacher in his hometown last month, according to the deputy’s written statement.

The deputy’s affidavit, released to reporters Tuesday, said Republican state Rep. Mark Samsel, of Wellsville, acknowledged during an interview the day after the April 28 incident that he had “demonstrated a kick” after the boy’s behavior had disrupted class. He told the deputy he did not kick the student and that the boy “embellished the heck out of it.”

Samsel has been charged&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ks-state-wire-kansas-government-and-politics-4f7abc1a3efe44669614bc9c0361c748">with three misdemeanor counts of battery</a>. He is accused of having contact with two Wellsville High School students “in a rude, insulting or angry manner” and of doing bodily harm to one of them.

Samsel did not answer a telephone message and a message could not be left for him. His attorney, Christopher Scott, did not immediately return a cellphone message seeking comment. Scott had asked a Franklin County Magistrate Kevin Kimball on Monday not to release the affidavit, but Kimball released a redacted copy.

Samsel last week&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-government-and-politics-7191c4a10e182aa9a6a030d5fd8fb5fb">pleaded not guilty</a>&nbsp;to the charges and was ordered to undergo a mental health evaluation. His next court hearing is scheduled for July 12.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619814603053.png" alt="Samsel's booking photo from the Franklin County Kansas Jail" />
 <figcaption>Samsel's booking photo from the Franklin County Kansas Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A high school student told a sheriff’s deputy that a Kansas House member kicked him in the testicles while the lawmaker was working as a substitute teacher in his hometown last month, according to the deputy’s written statement.The deputy’s affidavit, released to reporters Tuesday, said Republican state Rep. Mark Samsel, of Wellsville, acknowledged during an interview the day after the April 28 incident that he had “demonstrated a kick” after the boy’s behavior had disrupted class. He told the deputy he did not kick the student and that the boy “embellished the heck out of it.”Samsel has been charged&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ks-state-wire-kansas-government-and-politics-4f7abc1a3efe44669614bc9c0361c748">with three misdemeanor counts of battery</a>. He is accused of having contact with two Wellsville High School students “in a rude, insulting or angry manner” and of doing bodily harm to one of them.Samsel did not answer a telephone message and a message could not be left for him. His attorney, Christopher Scott, did not immediately return a cellphone message seeking comment. Scott had asked a Franklin County Magistrate Kevin Kimball on Monday not to release the affidavit, but Kimball released a redacted copy.Samsel last week&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-government-and-politics-7191c4a10e182aa9a6a030d5fd8fb5fb">pleaded not guilty</a>&nbsp;to the charges and was ordered to undergo a mental health evaluation. His next court hearing is scheduled for July 12.

Deputy: Student says Kansas lawmaker kicked him in testicles

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Two brothers who were sentenced to die in 2002 for four killings known as “the Wichita massacre” are back before the Kansas Supreme Court seeking to have their sentences commuted to life in prison.

The court heard arguments Monday from attorneys in the cases of Jonathan and Reginald Carr.

Their attorneys continued to argue that their death sentences should be overturned because the two brothers had a joint hearing when jurors considered their punishments.

The Kansas court upheld their convictions in 2014 but overturned their death sentences, concluding that not having separate hearings violated the U.S. Constitution. The U.S. Supreme Court reversed that decision in 2016, returning the case to the Kansas court.

The brothers were sentenced to die over a home invasion in December 2000 that included robbery, rape, torture and the execution-style shootings of four victims. Other crimes over six days left a fifth person dead.

Each of the brothers accused the other of carrying out the crimes.

Reginald Carr contends he was the victim of mistaken identity and that Jonathan Carr committed the murders with someone else.

Jonathan Carr contends Reginald Carr was mainly responsible for the crimes and abused him along with other members of their family.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621970475802.png" alt="Reginald Carr is&nbsp; being held in the El Dorado Correctional Facility -photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Reginald Carr is&nbsp; being held in the El Dorado Correctional Facility -photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Two brothers who were sentenced to die in 2002 for four killings known as “the Wichita massacre” are back before the Kansas Supreme Court seeking to have their sentences commuted to life in prison.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621970431260.png" alt="Jonathan Carr contends Reginald Carr was mainly responsible for the crimes and abused him along with other members of their family.-photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Jonathan Carr contends Reginald Carr was mainly responsible for the crimes and abused him along with other members of their family.-photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>The court heard arguments Monday from attorneys in the cases of Jonathan and Reginald Carr.Their attorneys continued to argue that their death sentences should be overturned because the two brothers had a joint hearing when jurors considered their punishments.The Kansas court upheld their convictions in 2014 but overturned their death sentences, concluding that not having separate hearings violated the U.S. Constitution. The U.S. Supreme Court reversed that decision in 2016, returning the case to the Kansas court.The brothers were sentenced to die over a home invasion in December 2000 that included robbery, rape, torture and the execution-style shootings of four victims. Other crimes over six days left a fifth person dead.Each of the brothers accused the other of carrying out the crimes.Reginald Carr contends he was the victim of mistaken identity and that Jonathan Carr committed the murders with someone else.Jonathan Carr contends Reginald Carr was mainly responsible for the crimes and abused him along with other members of their family.

Attorney: Brothers' death sentences for Kan. murder should be overturned

WAYNESVILLE, Mo. (AP) — Remains found in 1981 in southern Missouri have been identified and the death is being investigated as a homicide, Pulaski County authorities announced Tuesday.

The sheriff's department said a DNA match with a man in Alexandria, Virginia, identified the remains as Karen Kay Knippers.

Detectives found the body at a low river crossing near Dixon on May 25, 1981. After she could not be identified, she was buried as a Jane Doe in the Waynesville Cemetery.

Pulaski County Sheriff's Detective D.J. Renno became interested in the case in 2012, and in 2015 the remains were exhumed.

Forensic analysis and DNA extraction was completed by the University of North Texas and the University of South Florida in 2015 and 2016, the sheriff's department said.

In 2019, the remains were sent to the DNA Doe Project in Sebastopol, California, which uses DNA to identify relatives.

The organization found a possible match in 2019. When Pulaski County authorities contacted the man in Alexandria, Virginia, he said his family had lost touch with a sister in the 1980s.

The man provided a DNA sample, which matched him with the remains and identified her as Knipper.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621971661575.png" alt="Karen Kay Knippers photo courtesy Pulaski Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Karen Kay Knippers photo courtesy Pulaski Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>WAYNESVILLE, Mo. (AP) — Remains found in 1981 in southern Missouri have been identified and the death is being investigated as a homicide, Pulaski County authorities announced Tuesday.The sheriff's department said a DNA match with a man in Alexandria, Virginia, identified the remains as Karen Kay Knippers.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fmopulaskicountysheriffsdept%2Fvideos%2F462761984818565%2F&show_text=false&width=267" width="267" height="476" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Detectives found the body at a low river crossing near Dixon on May 25, 1981. After she could not be identified, she was buried as a Jane Doe in the Waynesville Cemetery.Pulaski County Sheriff's Detective D.J. Renno became interested in the case in 2012, and in 2015 the remains were exhumed.Forensic analysis and DNA extraction was completed by the University of North Texas and the University of South Florida in 2015 and 2016, the sheriff's department said.In 2019, the remains were sent to the DNA Doe Project in Sebastopol, California, which uses DNA to identify relatives.The organization found a possible match in 2019. When Pulaski County authorities contacted the man in Alexandria, Virginia, he said his family had lost touch with a sister in the 1980s.The man provided a DNA sample, which matched him with the remains and identified her as Knipper.

🎥 Authorities ID remains found in Missouri in 1981 

DICKINSON COUNTY— The dream of seeing the Brookville Hotel reopen may never be realized. Unpaid taxes could prevent the Martins who own the hotel and the Munsons from opening Legacy Kansas.

The Martins have been delinquent on paying taxes for the past few years, according to&nbsp;Leah Hern, Dickinson County Treasurer.&nbsp;&nbsp;"I believe it is around $160,000 with tax and penalties as of Tuesday," she confirmed.

ABILENE -- The reopening of the Brookville Hotel in Abilene has hit a snag.

The Abilene Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau released the following&nbsp; statement from Charles and Deanna Munson Tuesday afternoon.

"We believed that we had an agreement in principle to purchase the Brookville Hotel assets and made every effort to expedite the opening of Legacy Kansas to accommodate summer travel demands.&nbsp;It is now apparent that we will be unable to arrive at a mutually agreeable contract with the Martins.&nbsp;This will unfortunately prevent us from opening on June 23rd as planned."

We are, however, committed to seeing this project completed and hope better news will be announced at a later time. We want to thank everyone for their support and understanding as we work through this difficult situation.

Please watch for future announcements on Facebook @ MunsonsPrimeSteakhouse.&nbsp;

DICKINSON COUNTY— The dream of seeing the Brookville Hotel reopen may never be realized. Unpaid taxes could prevent the Martins who own the hotel and the Munsons from opening Legacy Kansas.The Martins have been delinquent on paying taxes for the past few years, according to&nbsp;Leah Hern, Dickinson County Treasurer.&nbsp;&nbsp;"I believe it is around $160,000 with tax and penalties as of Tuesday," she confirmed. -------ABILENE -- The reopening of the Brookville Hotel in Abilene has hit a snag.The Abilene Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau released the following&nbsp; statement from Charles and Deanna Munson Tuesday afternoon."We believed that we had an agreement in principle to purchase the Brookville Hotel assets and made every effort to expedite the opening of Legacy Kansas to accommodate summer travel demands.&nbsp;It is now apparent that we will be unable to arrive at a mutually agreeable contract with the Martins.&nbsp;This will unfortunately prevent us from opening on June 23rd as planned."We are, however, committed to seeing this project completed and hope better news will be announced at a later time. We want to thank everyone for their support and understanding as we work through this difficult situation.Please watch for future announcements on Facebook @ MunsonsPrimeSteakhouse.&nbsp;

Update: Brookville Hotel won't reopen unless delinquent taxes are paid

FINNEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooing and asking the public for help to locate suspects.

Just after 11p.m. Monday, police responded to report of a shooting the 1200 block of North 9th Street in Garden City, according to a release from Police Chief Courtney Prewitt&nbsp;

Upon arrival, officers found a man sitting in the street who had been shot.&nbsp; EMS transported the victim identified as 33-year-old&nbsp;  Eraclio Hernandez Jr. of Garden City to St. Catherine Hospital, where he later died.

Authorities are requesting assistance from the community. If you witnessed this incident or have information related to this incident, you should call the Garden City Police Department.

FINNEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooing and asking the public for help to locate suspects.Just after 11p.m. Monday, police responded to report of a shooting the 1200 block of North 9th Street in Garden City, according to a release from Police Chief Courtney Prewitt&nbsp;Upon arrival, officers found a man sitting in the street who had been shot.&nbsp; EMS transported the victim identified as 33-year-old&nbsp; Eraclio Hernandez Jr. of Garden City to St. Catherine Hospital, where he later died.Authorities are requesting assistance from the community. If you witnessed this incident or have information related to this incident, you should call the Garden City Police Department.

Police ID man shot, killed in Southwest Kansas

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas woman who alleges consensual sex with a friend in his college dorm room turned into a terrifying assault took matters into her own hands when prosecutors declined to bring rape charges. She called a citizen grand jury, relying on a 134-year-old state law.

Madison Smith, 22, collected the hundreds of signatures necessary to empanel the grand jury after the county prosecutor resolved the case by allowing Jared Stolzenburg to plead guilty to aggravated battery and receive two years’ probation.

Smith, who graduated earlier this month from Bethany College in Lindsborg, about 70 miles north of Wichita, is part of a generation of women emboldened to go public with their stories due to the #MeToo movement.

“This happens nationwide, worldwide that victims and survivors are minimized by the prosecutors who don’t believe them,” she said, “And that is not OK because rape culture is so prevalent, and we need to get rid of it, and one of the ways to do that is to get our stories out there.”

Kansas is one of six states that allow citizens to petition for grand juries. The 1887 law was rarely used until anti-abortion activists began using it to force grand jury investigations of abortion clinics. It has since been used to go after adult bookstores and to challenge former Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach’s right to appear as the Republican nominee for governor.

But Smith’s case, which will be considered in September, is believed to be the first time that someone claiming sexual assault has used it, said Kathy Ray of the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence.

“This case has a lot of issues within the criminal justice system, and sometimes victims feel they have no other choice but to go public,” she said.

The process of seeking a grand jury wasn’t easy. Smith had to stand in a parking lot telling her story over and over again to strangers to collect hundreds of signatures, and then do it again when the first petition was rejected on a technicality.

Some of the strangers she approached snatched the pen from her hands just a few minutes after she began speaking, hugging her and whispering into her ear so others nearby couldn’t hear that they had been sexually assaulted in the past themselves.

“They were very thankful that I was fighting, just fighting the justice system and trying to make a change in the world because they were too scared to fight back,” she recalled.

But Smith said she felt it was the only way she could get justice for the February 2018 attack.

McPherson County Attorney Gregory Benefiel told Smith’s mother in a recorded conversation that the case was challenging because Smith didn’t verbally withdraw consent during the encounter. Smith said that’s because he was choking her.

“I think anybody could realize that if you can’t breathe, you can’t speak,” she said.

Smith said the attack happened after she ran into Stolzenburg while doing laundry and went back to his room at Bethany College, where they had sex. It initially was consensual, but then he began slapping and strangling her, leaving her gasping for air, Smith said during Stolzenburg’s sentencing hearing in August 2020.

“I really thought that he was going to kill me, and the only way I was going to leave that room was in a body bag,” said Smith, who is working at a nursing home before she begins to study nursing in the fall.

“He would strangle me for 20 or 30 seconds at a time, and I would begin to lose consciousness,” she said.

Stolzenburg’s Bethany College transcript shows that he was administratively withdrawn in March 2018, said Amie Bauer, the school’s general counsel. She wrote that the college had no further comment.

Defense attorney Brent Boyer said during the sentencing hearing that Stolzenburg and his family had been threatened and that Stolzenburg wanted to “move forward.” A woman who answered the phone in Boyer’s office said that Boyer didn’t participate in media interviews and hung up. Stolzenburg doesn’t have a listed phone number and didn’t immediately respond to a message on Facebook.

Benefiel said in an interview with The Associated Press that sex crimes cases are “extremely challenging to prosecute” because jurors are looking “for that CSI type of evidence.” He said he couldn’t comment on the specifics of the case but added that he believed that he and Smith both wanted the same thing — “truth and justice.”

“There is a disagreement on what it looks like in this case, but I think everyone has the same goals,” he said.

But Julie Germann, a former Minnesota prosecutor who reviewed the Kansas law for the Smiths and determined that the attack qualified for a rape charge, said prosecutors need to “look at the totality of the circumstances.”

“This idea that because she consented then anything that follows is acceptable, that is a very dangerous precedent to set,” said Germann, who consults and teaches about sexual assault.

Justin Boardman, who trains police and prosecutors to investigate sex crimes, said defense attorneys often try to argue that the victim had consented not just to sex but to rough sex. However, in that lifestyle, there are typically a lot of check-ins and discussions before sex starts, he said.

“If it is just a surprise, it is assault,” he said.

A court services worker said during the sentencing hearing that Stolzenburg told her he should have communicated better and “does feel sorry for the victim.”

By HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTHMISSION, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas woman who alleges consensual sex with a friend in his college dorm room turned into a terrifying assault took matters into her own hands when prosecutors declined to bring rape charges. She called a citizen grand jury, relying on a 134-year-old state law.Madison Smith, 22, collected the hundreds of signatures necessary to empanel the grand jury after the county prosecutor resolved the case by allowing Jared Stolzenburg to plead guilty to aggravated battery and receive two years’ probation.Smith, who graduated earlier this month from Bethany College in Lindsborg, about 70 miles north of Wichita, is part of a generation of women emboldened to go public with their stories due to the #MeToo movement.“This happens nationwide, worldwide that victims and survivors are minimized by the prosecutors who don’t believe them,” she said, “And that is not OK because rape culture is so prevalent, and we need to get rid of it, and one of the ways to do that is to get our stories out there.”Kansas is one of six states that allow citizens to petition for grand juries. The 1887 law was rarely used until anti-abortion activists began using it to force grand jury investigations of abortion clinics. It has since been used to go after adult bookstores and to challenge former Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach’s right to appear as the Republican nominee for governor.But Smith’s case, which will be considered in September, is believed to be the first time that someone claiming sexual assault has used it, said Kathy Ray of the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence.“This case has a lot of issues within the criminal justice system, and sometimes victims feel they have no other choice but to go public,” she said.The process of seeking a grand jury wasn’t easy. Smith had to stand in a parking lot telling her story over and over again to strangers to collect hundreds of signatures, and then do it again when the first petition was rejected on a technicality.Some of the strangers she approached snatched the pen from her hands just a few minutes after she began speaking, hugging her and whispering into her ear so others nearby couldn’t hear that they had been sexually assaulted in the past themselves.“They were very thankful that I was fighting, just fighting the justice system and trying to make a change in the world because they were too scared to fight back,” she recalled.But Smith said she felt it was the only way she could get justice for the February 2018 attack.McPherson County Attorney Gregory Benefiel told Smith’s mother in a recorded conversation that the case was challenging because Smith didn’t verbally withdraw consent during the encounter. Smith said that’s because he was choking her.“I think anybody could realize that if you can’t breathe, you can’t speak,” she said.Smith said the attack happened after she ran into Stolzenburg while doing laundry and went back to his room at Bethany College, where they had sex. It initially was consensual, but then he began slapping and strangling her, leaving her gasping for air, Smith said during Stolzenburg’s sentencing hearing in August 2020.“I really thought that he was going to kill me, and the only way I was going to leave that room was in a body bag,” said Smith, who is working at a nursing home before she begins to study nursing in the fall.“He would strangle me for 20 or 30 seconds at a time, and I would begin to lose consciousness,” she said.Stolzenburg’s Bethany College transcript shows that he was administratively withdrawn in March 2018, said Amie Bauer, the school’s general counsel. She wrote that the college had no further comment.Defense attorney Brent Boyer said during the sentencing hearing that Stolzenburg and his family had been threatened and that Stolzenburg wanted to “move forward.” A woman who answered the phone in Boyer’s office said that Boyer didn’t participate in media interviews and hung up. Stolzenburg doesn’t have a listed phone number and didn’t immediately respond to a message on Facebook.Benefiel said in an interview with The Associated Press that sex crimes cases are “extremely challenging to prosecute” because jurors are looking “for that CSI type of evidence.” He said he couldn’t comment on the specifics of the case but added that he believed that he and Smith both wanted the same thing — “truth and justice.”“There is a disagreement on what it looks like in this case, but I think everyone has the same goals,” he said.But Julie Germann, a former Minnesota prosecutor who reviewed the Kansas law for the Smiths and determined that the attack qualified for a rape charge, said prosecutors need to “look at the totality of the circumstances.”“This idea that because she consented then anything that follows is acceptable, that is a very dangerous precedent to set,” said Germann, who consults and teaches about sexual assault.Justin Boardman, who trains police and prosecutors to investigate sex crimes, said defense attorneys often try to argue that the victim had consented not just to sex but to rough sex. However, in that lifestyle, there are typically a lot of check-ins and discussions before sex starts, he said.“If it is just a surprise, it is assault,” he said.A court services worker said during the sentencing hearing that Stolzenburg told her he should have communicated better and “does feel sorry for the victim.”

Kansas woman alleging dorm rape convenes own grand jury

KANSAS CITY&nbsp; (AP) — A man was sentenced to 20 years in prison Monday after he admitted that he shot and killed a Kansas City rapper in 2015.

Derius Taylor, 32, of Kansas City, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and armed criminal action in the death of 20-year-old Dominique Stafford, the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office said.

Stafford’s body was found inside a car in eastern Kansas City on April 23, 2015.

Taylor arranged to buy drugs from Stafford but actually intended to rob him. Taylor got into Stafford’s car, shot him and took a rifle and a diamond-encrusted pendant the necklace, detectives said.

Another person got in the car with Stafford’s body and drove away while Taylor followed in the second car, detectives said. They later the car with Stafford’s body where police found it.

Detectives later learned Taylor pawned the pendant he took from Stafford.

The month before Stafford’s brother, Arthur Stafford Jr., 22, was found fatally shot a month before Dominique Stafford was killed.

The Stafford brothers were rap artists with Duced Out Records, a Kansas City-based record company.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621879451400.png" alt="Taylor photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Taylor photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY&nbsp; (AP) — A man was sentenced to 20 years in prison Monday after he admitted that he shot and killed a Kansas City rapper in 2015.Derius Taylor, 32, of Kansas City, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and armed criminal action in the death of 20-year-old Dominique Stafford, the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office said.Stafford’s body was found inside a car in eastern Kansas City on April 23, 2015.Taylor arranged to buy drugs from Stafford but actually intended to rob him. Taylor got into Stafford’s car, shot him and took a rifle and a diamond-encrusted pendant the necklace, detectives said.Another person got in the car with Stafford’s body and drove away while Taylor followed in the second car, detectives said. They later the car with Stafford’s body where police found it.Detectives later learned Taylor pawned the pendant he took from Stafford.The month before Stafford’s brother, Arthur Stafford Jr., 22, was found fatally shot a month before Dominique Stafford was killed.The Stafford brothers were rap artists with Duced Out Records, a Kansas City-based record company.

Man pleads guilty to shooting death of Kansas City rapper

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that injured a 6-year-old.&nbsp;

Just before 1:30 pm Monday, police dispatched to the 3100 block of South Yale in Wichita for reports of gunshots heard in the area, according to Officer Trevor Macey. 

A Witness reported a vehicle leaving the area with adults and one child. That vehicle arrived at an area hospital a short time later with a six-year-old boy who had suffered a non-life-threatening gunshot wound.

The adult male suspect was stopped by officers. The shooting was reported to be accidental.&nbsp; Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that injured a 6-year-old.&nbsp;Just before 1:30 pm Monday, police dispatched to the 3100 block of South Yale in Wichita for reports of gunshots heard in the area, according to Officer Trevor Macey. A Witness reported a vehicle leaving the area with adults and one child. That vehicle arrived at an area hospital a short time later with a six-year-old boy who had suffered a non-life-threatening gunshot wound.The adult male suspect was stopped by officers. The shooting was reported to be accidental.&nbsp; Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

Police: 6-year-old Kan. boy treated for gunshot wound

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the State Department are warning Americans against all travel to Japan because of a surge in coronavirus cases in the country as it prepares to host the Olympics in just two months.

<a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/japan-travel-advisory.html">Click here to read</a> the travel advisory from the U.S. State Dept.

The twin alerts issued Monday don't ban U.S. citizens from visiting the country, but they could have an impact on insurance rates for travelers and may factor into decisions by Olympic athletes and spectators on whether to compete in or attend the games, which are due to start in July. The government is trying to accelerate its vaccination rollout and curb coronavirus infections before the Olympics.

&nbsp;Japan mobilized military doctors and nurses to give shots to elderly people in Tokyo and Osaka on Monday as the government desperately tries to accelerate its vaccination rollout and curb coronavirus infections just two months before hosting the Olympics.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is determined to hold the Olympics in Tokyo after a one-year delay and has made an ambitious pledge to finish vaccinating the country’s 36 million elderly people by the end of July, despite skepticism it’s possible. Worries about public safety while many Japanese remain unvaccinated have prompted growing protests and calls for canceling the games, set to start on July 23.

Suga’s government has repeatedly expanded the area and duration of a largely voluntary request-based virus state of emergency since late April and has made its virus-fighting measures stricter. Currently, Tokyo and nine other areas that are home to 40% of the country’s population are under the emergency and a further extension is deemed unavoidable.

With COVID-19 cases still high, Suga now says vaccines are key to getting infections under control. He has not made vaccinations conditional for holding the Olympics and has arranged for Pfizer to donate its vaccine for athletes through the International Olympic Committee, while trying to speed up Japan’s inoculation drive as anti-Olympic sentiment grows.

Suga, speaking to reporters after a brief visit to the Tokyo center, said accelerating the vaccine rollout is an “unprecedented challenge.”

“We will do whatever it takes to accomplish the project so that the people can get vaccinated and return to their ordinary daily lives as soon as possible,” he said.

At the two centers, staffed by about 280 military medical staff and 200 civilian nurses, the aim is to inoculate up to 10,000 people per day in Tokyo and 5,000 per day in Osaka for the next three months.

In hardest-hit&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/japan-coronavirus-pandemic-business-olympic-games-2020-tokyo-olympics-72cc0b10127e8bab06406a6ec6bcedd6">Osaka</a>, where hospitals are overflowing, with tens of thousands of people becoming sicker or even dying at home, dozens began lining up before the inoculation center opened early Monday. In Tokyo, some vaccine recipients said they took taxis or shuttle buses to get to the center to avoid packed commuter trains.

People inoculated at the two centers were the first in Japan to receive doses from Moderna Inc., one of two foreign-developed vaccines Japan approved on Friday.

Previously, Japan had used only Pfizer Inc., and only about 2% of the population of 126 million has received the required two doses.

Japan began vaccinating health care workers in mid-February after delays resulting from its decision to require additional vaccine clinical testing inside Japan — a decision many experts said was medically meaningless and only slowed the inoculation process.

Vaccinations for the next group — the elderly, who are more likely to suffer serious COVID-19 effects — started in mid-April but have been slowed by reservation procedures, unclear distribution plans and shortages of medical staff to give shots.

The completion of Japanese-developed vaccines is still uncertain, but government officials hope the approvals Friday of Moderna and AstraZeneca will accelerate inoculations.

“Speeding up the rollout makes us feel safer because it affects our social life and the economy,” said Munemitsu Watanabe, a 71-year-old office worker who got his first shot at the Tokyo center. “If 80-90% of the population gets vaccinated, I think we can hold the Olympics smoothly.”

That goal seems impossible to meet. Those currently eligible are 65 years or older, and some officials say it may take until next March before younger people are fully vaccinated.

Japan also has a dire shortage of medical staff who can give shots since only doctors and nurses can legally do so — and they are already busy treating COVID-19 patients.

Under pressure, Suga’s government has allowed dentists and retired nurses to perform inoculations, and on Monday asked for pharmacists’ help. Suga said he is also considering adding paramedics and clinical laboratory technicians to create a pool of “several tens of thousands” of medical personnel. There are worries, however, that loosening the criteria may increase vaccine hesitancy in the public.

Also Monday, Tokyo’s downtown Sumida district organized a one-time inoculation event at the Kokugikan sumo arena, a venue for Olympic boxing, to attract elderly people with a lottery to win sumo-themed souvenirs.

Several other local governments, including Aichi in central Japan and Gunma near Tokyo and Miyagi in the north, also were to open their own large vaccination centers on Monday.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the State Department are warning Americans against all travel to Japan because of a surge in coronavirus cases in the country as it prepares to host the Olympics in just two months.<a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/japan-travel-advisory.html">Click here to read</a> the travel advisory from the U.S. State Dept.The twin alerts issued Monday don't ban U.S. citizens from visiting the country, but they could have an impact on insurance rates for travelers and may factor into decisions by Olympic athletes and spectators on whether to compete in or attend the games, which are due to start in July. The government is trying to accelerate its vaccination rollout and curb coronavirus infections before the Olympics.&nbsp;Japan mobilized military doctors and nurses to give shots to elderly people in Tokyo and Osaka on Monday as the government desperately tries to accelerate its vaccination rollout and curb coronavirus infections just two months before hosting the Olympics.Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is determined to hold the Olympics in Tokyo after a one-year delay and has made an ambitious pledge to finish vaccinating the country’s 36 million elderly people by the end of July, despite skepticism it’s possible. Worries about public safety while many Japanese remain unvaccinated have prompted growing protests and calls for canceling the games, set to start on July 23.Suga’s government has repeatedly expanded the area and duration of a largely voluntary request-based virus state of emergency since late April and has made its virus-fighting measures stricter. Currently, Tokyo and nine other areas that are home to 40% of the country’s population are under the emergency and a further extension is deemed unavoidable.With COVID-19 cases still high, Suga now says vaccines are key to getting infections under control. He has not made vaccinations conditional for holding the Olympics and has arranged for Pfizer to donate its vaccine for athletes through the International Olympic Committee, while trying to speed up Japan’s inoculation drive as anti-Olympic sentiment grows.Suga, speaking to reporters after a brief visit to the Tokyo center, said accelerating the vaccine rollout is an “unprecedented challenge.”“We will do whatever it takes to accomplish the project so that the people can get vaccinated and return to their ordinary daily lives as soon as possible,” he said.At the two centers, staffed by about 280 military medical staff and 200 civilian nurses, the aim is to inoculate up to 10,000 people per day in Tokyo and 5,000 per day in Osaka for the next three months.In hardest-hit&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/japan-coronavirus-pandemic-business-olympic-games-2020-tokyo-olympics-72cc0b10127e8bab06406a6ec6bcedd6">Osaka</a>, where hospitals are overflowing, with tens of thousands of people becoming sicker or even dying at home, dozens began lining up before the inoculation center opened early Monday. In Tokyo, some vaccine recipients said they took taxis or shuttle buses to get to the center to avoid packed commuter trains.People inoculated at the two centers were the first in Japan to receive doses from Moderna Inc., one of two foreign-developed vaccines Japan approved on Friday.Previously, Japan had used only Pfizer Inc., and only about 2% of the population of 126 million has received the required two doses.Japan began vaccinating health care workers in mid-February after delays resulting from its decision to require additional vaccine clinical testing inside Japan — a decision many experts said was medically meaningless and only slowed the inoculation process.Vaccinations for the next group — the elderly, who are more likely to suffer serious COVID-19 effects — started in mid-April but have been slowed by reservation procedures, unclear distribution plans and shortages of medical staff to give shots.The completion of Japanese-developed vaccines is still uncertain, but government officials hope the approvals Friday of Moderna and AstraZeneca will accelerate inoculations.“Speeding up the rollout makes us feel safer because it affects our social life and the economy,” said Munemitsu Watanabe, a 71-year-old office worker who got his first shot at the Tokyo center. “If 80-90% of the population gets vaccinated, I think we can hold the Olympics smoothly.”That goal seems impossible to meet. Those currently eligible are 65 years or older, and some officials say it may take until next March before younger people are fully vaccinated.Japan also has a dire shortage of medical staff who can give shots since only doctors and nurses can legally do so — and they are already busy treating COVID-19 patients.Under pressure, Suga’s government has allowed dentists and retired nurses to perform inoculations, and on Monday asked for pharmacists’ help. Suga said he is also considering adding paramedics and clinical laboratory technicians to create a pool of “several tens of thousands” of medical personnel. There are worries, however, that loosening the criteria may increase vaccine hesitancy in the public.Also Monday, Tokyo’s downtown Sumida district organized a one-time inoculation event at the Kokugikan sumo arena, a venue for Olympic boxing, to attract elderly people with a lottery to win sumo-themed souvenirs.Several other local governments, including Aichi in central Japan and Gunma near Tokyo and Miyagi in the north, also were to open their own large vaccination centers on Monday.___

U.S. warns against travel to Japan 2 months before Olympics

GEARY COUNTY —During routine weekly maintenance Monday afternoon, the generator at Geary Community Hospital in Junction City was not operable. Hospital officials announced that they are currently waiting for parts and and they transferred all patients to surrounding hospitals. 

All surgical and elective procedures were cancelled until further notice. Clinics will continue to operate as usual. The emergency room will continue to be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Ashley King, Director of Communications, said to be proactive about the situation, patients were transferred out in case GCH would be without electricity and could not be cared for in the hospital. Power remained on Monday, but concern about potential storms in the evening led to the transfer decision.

King confirmed there were nine patients in the hospital that were transferred. EMS transportation was provided by the Junction City Fire Department, Dickinson County EMS and Riley County EMS. The patients were taken to Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan and Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka.

King noted that the generator problem is believed to have involved a starter that went out.&nbsp; That generator requires two starters to operate. " Officials believe that another generator was located in Wichita and was due to be brought to Junction City late Monday evening. King said by the time the rewiring work is completed they hope to be back up with the new generator by the close of business on Tuesday or early Wednesday morning. Patients could then be returned to Geary Community Hospital after that time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621898769683.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>GEARY COUNTY —During routine weekly maintenance Monday afternoon, the generator at Geary Community Hospital in Junction City was not operable. Hospital officials announced that they are currently waiting for parts and and they transferred all patients to surrounding hospitals. All surgical and elective procedures were cancelled until further notice. Clinics will continue to operate as usual. The emergency room will continue to be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.Ashley King, Director of Communications, said to be proactive about the situation, patients were transferred out in case GCH would be without electricity and could not be cared for in the hospital. Power remained on Monday, but concern about potential storms in the evening led to the transfer decision.King confirmed there were nine patients in the hospital that were transferred. EMS transportation was provided by the Junction City Fire Department, Dickinson County EMS and Riley County EMS. The patients were taken to Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan and Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka.King noted that the generator problem is believed to have involved a starter that went out.&nbsp; That generator requires two starters to operate. " Officials believe that another generator was located in Wichita and was due to be brought to Junction City late Monday evening. King said by the time the rewiring work is completed they hope to be back up with the new generator by the close of business on Tuesday or early Wednesday morning. Patients could then be returned to Geary Community Hospital after that time.

Kan. hospital transfers all patients after generator malfunction

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

Just after 10:30p.m. May 22, deputies stopped aa northbound Dodge Caliber for a traffic infraction near 134th and U.S. Highway 75, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

The passenger, Ciara Lynne Henry, 36, of Kansas City, Missouri was subsequently arrested for being a felon in possession of a firearm, criminal use of a weapon and transporting an open container.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621889004320.png" alt="Henry photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Henry photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after a traffic stop.Just after 10:30p.m. May 22, deputies stopped aa northbound Dodge Caliber for a traffic infraction near 134th and U.S. Highway 75, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.The passenger, Ciara Lynne Henry, 36, of Kansas City, Missouri was subsequently arrested for being a felon in possession of a firearm, criminal use of a weapon and transporting an open container.

Sheriff: Felon caught with gun, transporting open container

KANSAS CITY– A Kansas man who was a leader of a $56 million criminal enterprise was sentenced in federal court Friday for his role in the conspiracy that distributed more than 2,600 kilograms of cocaine in the Kansas City metropolitan area, according the United State's Attorney.

Jose Luis Armendariz-Rascon, also known as “Uncle” or “Rambo,” 40, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips to 15 years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Armendariz-Rascon to forfeit to the government more than $56 million, which represents the proceeds of illegal drug trafficking.

On Jan. 22, 2020, Armendariz-Rascon pleaded guilty to his role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy and to money laundering. Armendariz-Rascon admitted that he purchased and distributed 10 to 15 kilograms of powder cocaine per week for a period of about four years.

Armendariz-Rascon was in charge of coordinating the transportation of loads of cocaine from the El Paso, Texas, area to the Kansas City metropolitan area for distribution. Armendariz-Rascon would then coordinate the collection of bulk cash that was sent back to El Paso as payment for the cocaine.

Armendariz-Rascon is among 13 defendants convicted in this case, of whom 12 have now been sentenced. Howard Christopher Walters, also known as “Chris,” 43, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, was sentenced on April 21, 2021, to 25 years in federal prison without parole after pleading guilty to his role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy.

Co-defendant Otilio Zaragoza-Navarrette, 64, of El Paso, delivered cocaine to Jose Armendariz-Rascon as well as to co-defendants Miguel Armendariz-Rascon, 33, a citizen of Mexico residing in Olathe, Kan., and Jesus Salvador Campoy-Estrada, also known as “Chava” and “Chavita,” 26, of Kansas City, Kan. Zaragoza-Navarrette and Miguel Armendariz-Rascon have pleaded guilty and been sentenced. Campoy-Estrada pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.

Zaragoza-Navarette also transported illicit drug proceeds from the drug-trafficking organization back to Texas and/or to Mexico. Zaragoza-Navarrette hid the cocaine and/or the cash proceeds inside of five-gallon gas cans and anti-freeze jugs on his commercial semi-tractor trailer.

In one instance, law enforcement officers seized nearly $500,000 from Zaragoza-Navarrette, who was transferring the illicit drug proceeds in an operation orchestrated by Armendariz-Rascon. On May 21, 2017, investigators were conducting surveillance at a residence in the 4700 block of North Mulberry Court in Kansas City as Campoy-Estrada was driving a white Chevrolet van with Miguel Armendariz-Rascon in the passenger’s seat. Investigators followed the van as it proceeded to the area of Candlewood Suites, 4450 Randolph Road, Kansas City, and pulled onto Corrington Road on the west side of Candlewood Suites. The van parked in front of a diesel tractor-trailer. Campoy-Estrada carried a white plastic jug from the van to the passenger side of the tractor-trailer. Campoy-Estrada then returned to the van with a red plastic gas can and placed the gas can into the rear of the van. Campoy-Estrada and Miguel Armendariz-Rascon then left the area.

Law enforcement officers continued to surveil the tractor-trailer, being driven by Zaragoza-Navarrette, as it left the Candlewood Suites and began to drive northbound on I-35. The Missouri State Highway Patrol conducted a traffic stop of the tractor-trailer at mile marker 68. Troopers searched the vehicle and found a red five-gallon plastic gas can and two white plastic jugs that contained a total of $491,211.

A confidential source has indicated the drug-trafficking organization purchased cocaine for approximately $27,000 to $27,500 per kilogram. Accordingly, $491,211 in illicit drug proceeds would convert to between 15 and 19 kilograms of powder cocaine.

KANSAS CITY– A Kansas man who was a leader of a $56 million criminal enterprise was sentenced in federal court Friday for his role in the conspiracy that distributed more than 2,600 kilograms of cocaine in the Kansas City metropolitan area, according the United State's Attorney.Jose Luis Armendariz-Rascon, also known as “Uncle” or “Rambo,” 40, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips to 15 years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Armendariz-Rascon to forfeit to the government more than $56 million, which represents the proceeds of illegal drug trafficking.On Jan. 22, 2020, Armendariz-Rascon pleaded guilty to his role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy and to money laundering. Armendariz-Rascon admitted that he purchased and distributed 10 to 15 kilograms of powder cocaine per week for a period of about four years.Armendariz-Rascon was in charge of coordinating the transportation of loads of cocaine from the El Paso, Texas, area to the Kansas City metropolitan area for distribution. Armendariz-Rascon would then coordinate the collection of bulk cash that was sent back to El Paso as payment for the cocaine.Armendariz-Rascon is among 13 defendants convicted in this case, of whom 12 have now been sentenced. Howard Christopher Walters, also known as “Chris,” 43, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, was sentenced on April 21, 2021, to 25 years in federal prison without parole after pleading guilty to his role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy.Co-defendant Otilio Zaragoza-Navarrette, 64, of El Paso, delivered cocaine to Jose Armendariz-Rascon as well as to co-defendants Miguel Armendariz-Rascon, 33, a citizen of Mexico residing in Olathe, Kan., and Jesus Salvador Campoy-Estrada, also known as “Chava” and “Chavita,” 26, of Kansas City, Kan. Zaragoza-Navarrette and Miguel Armendariz-Rascon have pleaded guilty and been sentenced. Campoy-Estrada pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.Zaragoza-Navarette also transported illicit drug proceeds from the drug-trafficking organization back to Texas and/or to Mexico. Zaragoza-Navarrette hid the cocaine and/or the cash proceeds inside of five-gallon gas cans and anti-freeze jugs on his commercial semi-tractor trailer.In one instance, law enforcement officers seized nearly $500,000 from Zaragoza-Navarrette, who was transferring the illicit drug proceeds in an operation orchestrated by Armendariz-Rascon. On May 21, 2017, investigators were conducting surveillance at a residence in the 4700 block of North Mulberry Court in Kansas City as Campoy-Estrada was driving a white Chevrolet van with Miguel Armendariz-Rascon in the passenger’s seat. Investigators followed the van as it proceeded to the area of Candlewood Suites, 4450 Randolph Road, Kansas City, and pulled onto Corrington Road on the west side of Candlewood Suites. The van parked in front of a diesel tractor-trailer. Campoy-Estrada carried a white plastic jug from the van to the passenger side of the tractor-trailer. Campoy-Estrada then returned to the van with a red plastic gas can and placed the gas can into the rear of the van. Campoy-Estrada and Miguel Armendariz-Rascon then left the area.Law enforcement officers continued to surveil the tractor-trailer, being driven by Zaragoza-Navarrette, as it left the Candlewood Suites and began to drive northbound on I-35. The Missouri State Highway Patrol conducted a traffic stop of the tractor-trailer at mile marker 68. Troopers searched the vehicle and found a red five-gallon plastic gas can and two white plastic jugs that contained a total of $491,211.A confidential source has indicated the drug-trafficking organization purchased cocaine for approximately $27,000 to $27,500 per kilogram. Accordingly, $491,211 in illicit drug proceeds would convert to between 15 and 19 kilograms of powder cocaine.

Kan. man involved in cocaine ring ordered to pay feds $56M

ROCKWELL, Iowa - Authorities have arrested a Kansas man for allegedly stealing a BMW in northern Iowa, and then dropping off a pickup from a Saline County residence at the scene.A

A rural Saline County man reported that sometime between 10:30 p.m. Friday and 7:27 a.m. Saturday, someone stole his $20,000 Chevrolet Silverado from his residence in the 1600 block of E. Stimmel Road, according to Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan.

On Saturday afternoon, the sheriff's office received a call from the Rockwell (Iowa) Police Department that the Silverado had been located at the scene of the theft of a BMW. Shortly after the BMW was stolen, Rockwell police apprehended Jason Buster, 36, of Salina, and recovered the BMW.

The rural Saline County owner of the pickup knows Buster who also left a motorcycle when the pickup was taken, according to Soldan.

Saline County officials&nbsp; will not be able to extradite Buster until Rockville has completed its court case against Buster.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621886622112.png" alt="Buster photo Carroll County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Buster photo Carroll County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>ROCKWELL, Iowa - Authorities have arrested a Kansas man for allegedly stealing a BMW in northern Iowa, and then dropping off a pickup from a Saline County residence at the scene.AA rural Saline County man reported that sometime between 10:30 p.m. Friday and 7:27 a.m. Saturday, someone stole his $20,000 Chevrolet Silverado from his residence in the 1600 block of E. Stimmel Road, according to Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan.On Saturday afternoon, the sheriff's office received a call from the Rockwell (Iowa) Police Department that the Silverado had been located at the scene of the theft of a BMW. Shortly after the BMW was stolen, Rockwell police apprehended Jason Buster, 36, of Salina, and recovered the BMW.The rural Saline County owner of the pickup knows Buster who also left a motorcycle when the pickup was taken, according to Soldan.Saline County officials&nbsp; will not be able to extradite Buster until Rockville has completed its court case against Buster.

Kan. man who allegedly stole pickup, BMW is captured in Iowa

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Monday refused to hear an appeal from a Missouri death row inmate who is seeking execution by firing squad.

Over the dissent of the three liberal justices, the court left in place a lower court ruling against inmate Ernest Johnson that could allow him to be executed by lethal injection. He is on death row for killing three convenience store workers in Columbia, Missouri, in 1994.

Johnson has argued that Missouri’s lethal injection drug, pentobarbital, could trigger seizures because of a brain condition. Johnson still has part of a benign tumor in his brain.

The effect of the court’s order Monday is to prevent Johnson from amending his lawsuit to include the possibility of execution by firing squad, which is not authorized under Missouri law.

Based on prior Supreme Court rulings, an inmate who objects to the state’s chosen method of execution has to suggest an alternate means.

Johnson initially suggested he could be put to death using nitrogen gas, which is allowed in Missouri. But the Supreme Court has held that states could decline to use a method of execution that has no track record, as is the case with nitrogen gas.

But when Johnson tried to suggest a firing squad, a method with a long history of use in the U.S., judges on the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeal said he acted too late.

Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote for herself and colleagues Stephen Breyer and Elena Kagan that Johnson should be able to make his case. “We should not countenance the infliction of cruel and unusual punishment simply for the sake of expediency. That is what the Eighth Circuit’s decision has done. Because this Court chooses to stand idly by, I respectfully dissent,” Sotomayor wrote.

The state planned to execute Johnson in 2015, but the Supreme Court intervened on his behalf then.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621882682950.png" alt="Johnson photo MODOC" />
 <figcaption>Johnson photo MODOC</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Monday refused to hear an appeal from a Missouri death row inmate who is seeking execution by firing squad.Over the dissent of the three liberal justices, the court left in place a lower court ruling against inmate Ernest Johnson that could allow him to be executed by lethal injection. He is on death row for killing three convenience store workers in Columbia, Missouri, in 1994.Johnson has argued that Missouri’s lethal injection drug, pentobarbital, could trigger seizures because of a brain condition. Johnson still has part of a benign tumor in his brain.The effect of the court’s order Monday is to prevent Johnson from amending his lawsuit to include the possibility of execution by firing squad, which is not authorized under Missouri law.Based on prior Supreme Court rulings, an inmate who objects to the state’s chosen method of execution has to suggest an alternate means.Johnson initially suggested he could be put to death using nitrogen gas, which is allowed in Missouri. But the Supreme Court has held that states could decline to use a method of execution that has no track record, as is the case with nitrogen gas.But when Johnson tried to suggest a firing squad, a method with a long history of use in the U.S., judges on the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeal said he acted too late.Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote for herself and colleagues Stephen Breyer and Elena Kagan that Johnson should be able to make his case. “We should not countenance the infliction of cruel and unusual punishment simply for the sake of expediency. That is what the Eighth Circuit’s decision has done. Because this Court chooses to stand idly by, I respectfully dissent,” Sotomayor wrote.The state planned to execute Johnson in 2015, but the Supreme Court intervened on his behalf then.

Missouri killer seeking firing squad loses Supreme Court appeal

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A jury convicted a 25-year-old Wichita woman of first-degree felony murder after her 2-year-old son died from ingesting methadone. A Sedgwick County jury deliberated about two hours Monday before finding Kimberly Compass guilty in the death of Zayden JayNesahkluah. 

Zayden died of a methadone overdose in a Wichita motel on May 31, 2019. Prosecutors accused Compass of mishandling three bottles of methadone, which had been prescribed to help her kick a heroin habit. It remains unclear exactly how the boy got ahold of the methadone. 

Her defense attorney argued throughout the trial that Compass didn't know the boy ingested the drug. She will be sentenced Aug. 12.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621892806239.png" alt="Compass was originally booked into jail in August of 2019- photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Compass was originally booked into jail in August of 2019- photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A jury convicted a 25-year-old Wichita woman of first-degree felony murder after her 2-year-old son died from ingesting methadone. A Sedgwick County jury deliberated about two hours Monday before finding Kimberly Compass guilty in the death of Zayden JayNesahkluah. Zayden died of a methadone overdose in a Wichita motel on May 31, 2019. Prosecutors accused Compass of mishandling three bottles of methadone, which had been prescribed to help her kick a heroin habit. It remains unclear exactly how the boy got ahold of the methadone. Her defense attorney argued throughout the trial that Compass didn't know the boy ingested the drug. She will be sentenced Aug. 12.

Kan. woman convicted in 2-year-old son's methadone death

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — Police in Overland Park are investigating the shooting death of a man early Monday morning in the parking lot of a condominium building just across the street from City Hall. 

Police say officers were called to the area around 5:20 a.m. for reports of gunshots. Arriving officers found a man on the ground who had been shot and was already dead. 

Witnesses tell police that they saw two to three people run to vehicles in the parking lot following the shooting and flee the area. Police have not released the name of the man killed and have not announced any arrests.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621886214431.png" alt="Investigators on the scene early Monday-photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Investigators on the scene early Monday-photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — Police in Overland Park are investigating the shooting death of a man early Monday morning in the parking lot of a condominium building just across the street from City Hall. Police say officers were called to the area around 5:20 a.m. for reports of gunshots. Arriving officers found a man on the ground who had been shot and was already dead. Witnesses tell police that they saw two to three people run to vehicles in the parking lot following the shooting and flee the area. Police have not released the name of the man killed and have not announced any arrests.

Police investigate fatal shooting near Overland Park City Hall

WASHINGTON (AP) — Nearly five months after being deployed to the U.S. Capitol to help quell the Jan. 6 insurrection, National Guard troops were set to leave and turn over security of the area to Capitol Police.

Guard troops, their mission ending Sunday, were leaving Monday, a person familiar with the plan told The Associated Press. The person was not authorized to discuss the plan by name and requested anonymity.

The Pentagon announced earlier in the week that an extension of the Guard presence — 2,149 troops — had not been requested.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611848633213.png" alt="Members of the Kansas National Guard in DC earlier this year" />
 <figcaption>Members of the Kansas National Guard in DC earlier this year</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Nearly five months after being deployed to the U.S. Capitol to help quell the Jan. 6 insurrection, National Guard troops were set to leave and turn over security of the area to Capitol Police.Guard troops, their mission ending Sunday, were leaving Monday, a person familiar with the plan told The Associated Press. The person was not authorized to discuss the plan by name and requested anonymity.The Pentagon announced earlier in the week that an extension of the Guard presence — 2,149 troops — had not been requested.The planned departure came as Democrats and Republicans sparred over how to fund fortifications of the Capitol and whether to form an independent bipartisan commission to investigate the attack that sought to overturn former President Donald Trump’s loss to Democrat Joe Biden.Some Republican lawmakers have begun downplaying the event despite the handful of deaths, injuries to scores of police officers, hundreds of arrests, damages to the building and shouted threats against lawmakers from many of those who stormed the building. Much of the violence was caught on camera.Retired Lt. Gen. Russel Honore, who oversaw a security review in the wake of the rioting, told CBS’ “Face the Nation” on Sunday that the Capitol itself will be secured by Capitol Police but that the complex will remain closed to the general public because of the strain on the police force.“God bless the National Guard,” Honore said. “They’ve done significant work.”The House on Thursday approved — by a single vote largely along party lines — a $1.9 billion measure to fortify the Capitol. The next day the House approved with 35 Republican votes the formation of an investigative commission. Both measures face an uncertain future in the evenly divided Senate.Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has said he opposes the commission proposal, which would need significant Republican support to advance under Senate rules. Republican opponents say the commission would become a political tool as midterms elections approach, though the proposal requires its work to be concluded by the end of this year.