Unsolved Homicides in Topeka: A Plea for Help
Seven homicides have occurred in Topeka this year, and unfortunately, none of them have been solved. The Topeka Police Department turned to social media, specifically Facebook, to ask for assistance from the public in solving these cases. They implored users to share the post and encouraged residents to submit anonymous tips through Shawnee County Crime Stoppers or email Topeka police investigators directly at [email protected].
This year has been particularly grim in terms of homicides in Topeka. The city has surpassed its previous all-time high record by reaching 32 homicides in 2023, whereas the previous highest number of homicides was 30 in 2017. Out of the 32 homicides this year, 24 victims were shot to death.
Let’s take a closer look at the seven victims whose homicides remain unsolved:
Trevon Praylow
Trevon Praylow, 35, was found shot to death early Monday morning in the 1600 block of S.W. Fillmore. Notably, this is the same area where Praylow survived a shooting in 2016. Another person present at the scene also sustained gunshot wounds, thankfully non-life-threatening.
Jackson E. ‘Jack’ Danner
Jackson E. “Jack” Danner, 23, was discovered fatally shot in the front yard of a house in the 1600 block of S.W. 21st. This location is just south of Washburn University, and all houses on this block are situated on the south side of the street.
Damayah R. Calhoun
Damayah R. Calhoun, a 17-year-old resident of Topeka, was dropped off at a local hospital and pronounced dead shortly before 1:30 a.m. She had been fatally shot. Investigators have identified the crime scene as the 600 block of S.E. Lawrence.
Ra’Juan Spicer
Ra’Juan Spicer, 18, was found deceased in the 1200 block of S.W. Clay. Police were called to the scene and pronounced him dead upon their arrival.
Alonzoe K. Smith
Tragically, two-month-old Alonzoe K. Smith lost his life to gun violence. He was fatally shot at an apartment complex in the 1000 block of S.W. Mulvane. A male relative, who is currently being sought for questioning, was apprehended on separate charges unrelated to Alonzoe’s death.
Xavion E. Phannix
Xavion E. Phannix, 20, suffered fatal injuries from a shooting in the 2600 block of S.E. Gilmore Court. Two other individuals were also shot but survived.
Shawn A. Carter
Shawn A. Carter, 45, was found dead at the scene in the 1300 block of S.E. Madison. His nickname was “Heavy.” Authorities have yet to make any arrests in his case.
In addition to these seven unsolved homicides, there are five other cases that remain open. The death of Deaundreya D. Caraway, who was fatally shot on March 26, has been ruled as self-defense. The police are currently working on another case involving the fatal shooting of Aaron P. Mathis Jr., 16, to be reviewed by the district attorney’s office. Investigations are ongoing for the deaths of Gregorio Castillo, Anthony L. Marshall III, and Hevair Loucious, with potential self-defense justifications in two of these cases.
If you have any information that could help solve these crimes, please reach out to the Topeka Police Department at [email protected] or call 785-213-5934.
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: 7 Topeka homicides from 2023 are unsolved. No arrests made in 5 others
