Police investigating 10th murder in downtown Topeka

Photo courtesy of/Shawnee County Department of Corrections

TOPEKA (KSNT) – Topeka police are investigating the city’s 10th homicide in 2024.

The Topeka Police Department (TPD) is investigating an aggravated assault incident that resulted in Topeka’s 10th homicide of the year. Around 6 a.m. on Friday, July 19, police responded to a report of domestic violence in the 1300 block of Southwest Western Avenue, according to a TPD news release.

Officers arrived at the scene to find a person with life-threatening injuries. He was later taken to a local hospital. Demetris Gadson, 32, who police said was involved in the incident, was taken into custody at the Law Enforcement Center to speak with TPD detectives.

After investigation, the deceased was identified as 38-year-old Dedra L. Simmons of Topeka. According to the press release, Gadson was transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on the following charges:

• Murder in the second degree
• Attempted murder in the second degree
• Aggravated domestic abuse
• Animal abuse

The investigation into this incident is ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this investigation is encouraged to email [email protected] or contact the Topeka Police Criminal Investigation Bureau at 785-368-9400. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Shawnee County Crime Stoppers at 785-234-0007. You can also submit anonymous tips online.

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