Jun 03, 2025

Suspect arrested again for Kan. man's murder in 2022

Posted Jun 03, 2025 2:30 PM
Smith p hoto Shawnee County
Smith p hoto Shawnee County

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal shooting that occurred in 2022 have arrested a suspect for a second time.

On Monday, as a result of the ongoing investigation, Kayden Smith, 22, of Topeka, was transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on the requested charge of 2nd Degree Murder.

Just after 11:p.m. April 22, 2022, police were dispatched to the 500 Block of SW Lane in reference to a shooting. First responders found one victim identified as 35-year-old Dustin Michael Clayton of Topeka, suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

At the time, following a two week investigation and a collaborative effort with the U.S. Marshal Service and the Kansas Highway Patrol, police arrested Smith on a requested charge of Murder in the 1st Degree.  He is  being held without bond, according to online jail records.