Feb 21, 2024

Police ID toddler who died after shooting into Kansas apartment

Posted Feb 21, 2024 10:00 PM
Police at the scene of the deadly shooting investigation -photo courtesy KWCH
Police at the scene of the deadly shooting investigation -photo courtesy KWCH

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities continue investigating the homicide of a 1-year-old identified as Taidyn Anderson of Wichita, according to Wichita Police spokesperson Andrew Ford.

Just after 7p.m. Monday, police were dispatched to a shooting call at an apartment in the 2500 block of S. Oliver in Wichita, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.

First responders located three shooting victims, two 24-year-old women and Anderson all from Wichita. All three were transported to a local area hospital for their injuries.

The two women had critical but non-life-threatening gunshot wounds.  The 1-year-old was pronounced deceased. 

In addition to the three victims, the apartment was occupied by a 24-year-old man, a 5-year-old girl and a 10-month old  girl, all of Wichita, during the time of the shooting.  They were not injured by the gunfire.

The police investigation has revealed that the suspect fired multiple rounds from a handgun into the apartment striking the victims. The circumstances leading up to the shooting are still under investigation and detectives are diligently following up on promising leads for the arrest of the suspect.

At this time, based on the evidence known, police believe this was a targeted incident.

“I am deeply saddened and outraged by the violent and heinous crime that has occurred in our community, said Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan. "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."

The Wichita Police Department urges anyone with information on this case and who has not spoken with investigators, to please call the WPD Investigators at 316- 268-4407, or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111.