Latest news with #ShawnHarris
Yahoo
03-08-2025
- Yahoo
Kansas Death Penalty Unit to represent man accused of killing Wyandotte County deputy
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Attorneys have been appointed to represent a Kansas City, Kansas, man charged with capital murder in the . Shawn Harris, 38, has been charged with one count of capital murder and one count of criminal possession of a weapon by a felon for the death of . Man faces capital murder charge in deadly shooting of Wyandotte County deputy Online court records show that three attorneys with the Kansas Death Penalty Defense Unit have been appointed to represent Harris: Mark Manna, chief attorney of the Kansas Death Penalty Defense Unit Peter L. Conley with the Kansas Death Penalty Defense Unit Steve Rupert with the Kansas Death Penalty Defense Unit FOX4 reached out to Manna, who sent us the following statement: 'Our office has been appointed to represent Mr. Harris. Our office handles representation of all indigent criminal defendants charged with capital murder across the State of Kansas. At this time we have no further comment.' What is the Kansas Death Penalty Defense Unit? The Kansas Death Penalty Defense Unit is a specialized division within the Kansas State Board of Indigents' Defense Services (BIDS), which focuses on providing legal representation to those facing capital murder charges in Kansas, specifically those who cannot afford their own attorney. According to the BIDS website, an average of 85% of adults charged with felonies in Kansas qualify for the services it provides. During fiscal year 2020, BIDS said it handled more than 26,000 cases. How you can donate to family of fallen Wyandotte County Deputy Elijah Ming Attorneys within the Kansas Death Penalty Defense Unit are appointed to cases by the court, in accordance with state law. 'Our office is automatically appointed by the court to any capital murder case in which a criminal defendant is determined to be indigent,' Manna told FOX4 via email. 'We are part of the public defender system and a State of Kansas agency.' BIDS typically bears the cost of defending capital murder cases. The funds for this come primarily from the state, according to the Kansas Legislative Research Department. The 2021 Legislature approved a budget of $41.8 million, including $41.2 million from the State General Fund, for BIDS for fiscal year 2022, according to a budget analysis County deputy killed in KCK shootingWho was Elijah Ming? Tributes roll in for Wyandotte County deputy shot, killed in KCK Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-08-2025
- Yahoo
Wyandotte County deputy's killing happened during peak time for violence in relationships
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Wyandotte County Sheriff Deputy Elijah Ming was killed Saturday as he and a Kansas City, Kansas police officer arrived to stand by as a woman attempted to move out of a Kansas City Kansas home she was living in with Shawn for domestic violence victims say that scenario can be a particularly dangerous time when emotions are running high. Man faces capital murder charge in deadly shooting of Wyandotte County deputy The Kansas City metro has already eclipsed last year's number of homicides linked to domestic violence. Hope House's CEO says they happen most often right before or after someone tries to leave an abusive relationship, or sometimes during them moving out. 'The reason for that is domestic violence is about power and control away from someone then the efforts to get it back escalate. That's when we see more violence more homicides or attempted homicides,' Mary Anne Metheny said. The woman called for law enforcement backup after she said Shawn Harris threatened her and friends with a gun when she tried to move items out of the home previously. Ming was shot and killed as he and another KCK police officer approached the front door. Despite the tragic outcome, Friends of Yates Executive Director Dr. Desmond Lamb Sr. said domestic violence victims should never fear calling for help. 'Absolutely the call must be made, there's no other alternative. When your life is in danger, your children's life is in danger, you have to make the call,' Lamb said. 'It just reiterates how dangerous these situations are and how you just don't know what's going to happen,' Metheny said. It's why advocates say it's important to work out a safety plan, which may involve leaving or retrieving items when the person in the relationship you are trying to end isn't home. But agencies remind victims there are resources to provide safe shelter and starting over to replace any items left behind. Download the FOX4 News app on iPhone and Android 'We want you to get out with your life. So if your packing a suitcase is giving your violator time, don't worry about that suitcase, don't worry about them clothes. You grab your kids or your self and get out,' Lamb said. There is a local hotline domestic violence victims can call for information and next steps. . If you are a victim of domestic violence, you can call the at 1-800-799-7233 or text 'START' to 88788. Those with hearing impairments can contact 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-08-2025
- Yahoo
Bond set at $2 million for man charged with killing Wyandotte County deputy
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — The attorneys for the man accused of killing a Wyandotte County deputy entered a not guilty plea Tuesday afternoon. Shawn Harris is charged with capital murder in connection with the death of Deputy Elijah Ming. Kansas Death Penalty Unit to represent man accused of killing Wyandotte County deputy Harris appeared Tuesday before a Wyandotte County judge, who set his bond at $2 million. Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas, leaders came together Tuesday to offer formal condolences to Deputy Ming's family, along with information regarding the charges Harris faces. 'His life will not soon be forgotten,' Wyandotte County District Attorney Mark Dupree said Tuesday. Dupree said the outcome of a capital murder charge can be life in prison—or the death penalty. 'The process with the courts is something that needs to happen because this person needs to be held accountable for what they have done,' Wyandotte County Sheriff Daniel Soptic shared Tuesday. Officials said Ming's death is an example of the far-reaching effects of domestic violence. Advocates discuss dangers of domestic violence calls following death of WyCo deputy According to the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department (KCKPD), Deputy Ming was initially called to the area on Saturday at about 3:30 p.m. after a woman requested that a law enforcement officer accompany her as she moved out of her home. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) said she had concerns about her safety.'It is an issue in this community; it is an issue across the country,' said KCKPD Chief of Police Karl Oakman. Dupree also expressed his concerns regarding domestic violence and shared warning signs. 'If he or she – but the majority of the time, it's he – is controlling or combative, doesn't allow you to go places, moves you from the ones who love you…take these signs serious and get out before it's too late,' he said. Harris' next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 21. He remains in the Johnson County, Kansas, jail. Harris is being represented by the Kansas Death Penalty Defense Unit. You can learn more about that here. Those who wish to donate to Deputy Ming's family can click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-08-2025
- Yahoo
Wyandotte County deputy killed in KCK shooting; suspect identified
KANSAS CITY, Kan. – Police are investigating after a Wyandotte County deputy was killed in a shooting on Saturday afternoon. The shooting took place at about 3:45 p.m. near South 30th Street and Shawnee Drive in Kansas City, Kansas. The deputy was taken to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries, KCKPD said. The victim has since been identified as Elijah Ming. See the latest headlines in Kansas City and across Kansas, Missouri According to KCKPD, Deputy Ming was initially called to the area for a civil standby at about 3:30 p.m. after a woman requested that a law enforcement officer accompany her as she moved out of her home. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) said she had concerns about her safety. The woman reportedly told investigators that when her friends tried to help her, the suspect, identified by KBI as 38-year-old Shawn Harris, had threatened her with a gun. After the woman requested help, Deputy Ming and a KCKPD officer responded to the scene. However, according to KBI, as they approached the front door, Harris shot at the officers multiple times from inside the house. The KCKPD officer was uninjured in the shooting, but Deputy Ming suffered life-threatening injuries. Following the shooting, multiple law enforcement officers responded to the scene. As officers attempted life-saving measures on Deputy Ming, though, gunfire was exchanged between KCKPD and the sheriff's office. According to KBI, Harris had barricaded himself inside the home and was shot during the multi-hour standoff. Eventually, police were able to negotiate over the phone and get Harris out of the home by about 5 p.m. He was subsequently taken into custody and brought to a hospital, where he is said to have suffered non-life-threatening injuries. While formal charges are yet to be filed, Harris has been arrested and booked in the Johnson County Jail on suspicion of capital murder of a law enforcement officer. Newborn Kelce Taylor becomes youngest member of Swifties, Chiefs fandom KBI said Deputy Ming had also been taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries. But despite life-saving efforts, he later died from his injuries. At this time, investigations are being taken over by the KBI. In a news release addressing the deadly shooting, the bureau said: 'This independent investigation aims to discover all events leading up to the officer-involved shooting. In police use of force cases, the KBI releases details to the public as soon as possible. This information is preliminary in nature, and is based on evidence collected and early statements of the parties involved, witnesses, medical personnel and others. It does not represent final or thorough findings which take several weeks to complete. When this investigation concludes, case findings will be presented to the Wyandotte County District Attorney for charging decisions. The investigation is ongoing.' KCK and Wyandotte County officials spoke at a press conference Saturday night. Mayor Tyrone Garner called the shooting a senseless and unnecessary act of violence. He also called on the community to keep Deputy Ming's family and his fellow law enforcement and public safety officials in their thoughts and prayers. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
02-08-2025
- Yahoo
Who was Elijah Ming? Tributes roll in for Wyandotte County deputy shot, killed in KCK
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Across both state lines, law enforcement agencies and public officials are paying tribute to fallen , who was shot and killed in Kansas City, Kansas, while responding to a call on Saturday. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) said that at about 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Ming had been called to the area of South 30th Street and Shawnee Drive for a civil standby. Wyandotte County deputy killed in KCK shooting; suspect identified According to investigators, a woman requested that a law enforcement officer accompany her as she moved out of her home because of safety concerns. Ming and a Kansas City, Kansas, police officer responded to the scene. When they approached the front door, KBI said a man, later identified as 38-year-old Shawn Harris, began firing at the officers from inside the house. The KCKPD officer was uninjured; however, Ming was struck by the gunfire. He was later taken to a hospital, where he died from his injuries. Public Officials Offer Support and Unity Since news broke of Ming's death, agencies in both Missouri and Kansas, as well as officials, have expressed their deepest condolences. As of Sunday morning, well-wishes online extended as far west as Finney County, Kansas, about 375 miles from the Kansas City metro, and as far east as Johnson County, Missouri. These well wishes included notable state and city-wide politicians, like Kansas Sen. Jerry Moran and Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Quinton Lucas, who each shared a post online, expressing their deepest condolences and prayers for the fallen deputy and his family. 'It's a sad day for the Wyandotte County Sheriff Department as they mourn the loss of one of their finest – Deputy Elijah Ming – who was killed in the line of duty,' . 'My prayers are with his family and loved ones as they mourn this loss and for the safety of all our brave law enforcement men and women.' Kansas Task Force 1 returns home from Kerr County, Texas In addition, Mayor Lucas shared a statement and a tribute to both his personal and professional profiles online. , 'Wyandotte County Deputy Elijah Ming is a good man from a good family who should have been able to get home to see them tonight. His loss is senseless in every way.' On his personal account, he added, 'Wyandotte County Deputy Elijah Ming is a good man from a good family who should have been able to get home to see them tonight. His loss is senseless in every way. My condolences to all who loved him and served with him.' Arguably, one of the more heartbreaking statements came from the Wyandotte County Sheriff's Office. The Facebook post read: 'Thank you to all of the agencies who have sent condolences and who helped us today. We are grateful to have such a strong community around us. We kindly ask for prayers for Deputy Ming's family and the rest of the agency at this time. Our agency will forever be grieving this loss. While it is especially raw, we will be grieving in silence, and our social media will reflect that for the time being.' 'A Loved Member of the Agency' In addition to the sheriff's office statement, Sheriff Daniel Soptic, Kansas City, Kansas, Mayor Tyrone Garner, and KCKPD Chief Karl Oakman held a news conference following Ming's death. While at the podium, they described the circumstances leading up to the shooting and the suspect, as well as Ming's history with the sheriff's office. According to Soptic, Ming had served Wyandotte County for nine years and was a 'loved member of the agency.' He added, 'Deputy Ming gave his life serving Wyandotte County and all of its residents. I would ask that everyone be respectful of Deputy Ming's family during this time and give them an opportunity to grieve privately.' Following Soptic's statement, Mayor Garner added a few words of encouragement and sympathy to the community. 'To say that today has been the hardest day for me as the mayor of Kansas City, Kansas Unified Government is an understatement,' he said. 'This is truly a painful moment for Wyandotte County, and an extremely painful moment for our community.' Rescue crews return to Indian Creek after reports of possible drowning: KCFD 'I want to encourage our law enforcement professionals to please know that no matter what you may hear, this community loves you. We sincerely appreciate you. We respect you, and we value your service to our great community. May God comfort the Ming family, our sheriff's department, and any and everyone who calls Kansas City, Kansas, but more importantly, Wyandotte County, home,' Mayor Garner concluded. Lastly, Chief Oakman shared his condolences and prayers, adding that KCKPD will continue to offer its support to the sheriff's office, as well as the victim's family. 'We're here with you,' he said. 'The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department, as well as the Kansas City, Kansas Fire Department, will be there by [Sheriff Soptic's] side to offer whatever support that we can offer.' Suspect Arrested following Standoff Following the shooting, the suspect, Harris, barricaded himself inside the home for several hours. During the standoff, gunfire was exchanged between him and responding law enforcement agents, resulting in Harris being shot. He eventually surrendered and was arrested before being taken to a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. At this time, there is no word on whether Harris has been charged or transferred to the Wyandotte County Detention Center. Memorial and Funeral Arrangements Additionally, neither the family nor law enforcement has released information about a future memorial, funeral or procession for Deputy Ming. However, FOX4 will share the latest details as they are released. Stay tuned to FOX4 News for the latest updates and information. 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