SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man accused in the fatal stabbing of his cousin made his first court appearance Tuesday.
Jason Payne, 39 of Wichita, was charged with 1st degree murder, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.
Just after 5:30a.m. January 13, police responded to a welfare call at 13th and Oliver in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson. A citizen reported 39-year-old Jason Payne lying face down in the middle of the street at the intersection.
Upon arrival, officers contacted Payne who needed medical assistance. He was transported to an area hospital, treated, and released.
Through the investigation of this incident, information was learned of another man possibly being injured at a home in the 900 block of North Oliver. Officers went to the home and found 34-year-old Michael Montgomery unresponsive. He was pronounced deceased on the scene.
Further investigation revealed a disturbance occurred between Montgomery and Payne, his cousin at the home on North Oliver. During the disturbance, Payne pulled out a knife and stabbed Montgomery multiple times.
Payne's next court appearance is February 4, according to the district attorney. He remains jailed on a bond of $200,000.
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