Plea deal in connection with 14th murder in Topeka in 2023

TOPEKA (KSNT) – A man accused of committing the 14th murder in Topeka in 2023 has reached a plea agreement with prosecutors, dismissing six of seven charges filed.

On Friday, Christopher Lamar Brown, 36, of Topeka, pleaded guilty to an amended charge of voluntary manslaughter in connection with the April 17 shooting and killing of Sherman Coleman, Jr., 33, of Topeka. The killing occurred in the 2300 block of Bellview, near 10th and California in east Topeka.

Brown had been charged with first-degree murder, but the charge was later amended to voluntary manslaughter. Brown’s plea agreement resulted in charges of second-degree murder, aggravated robbery, aggravated abuse of a child, criminal possession of a firearm by a felon, distribution of marijuana between one and one pound, and possession of paraphernalia with intent to manufacture.

Brown’s sentencing is scheduled for August 26 at 3 p.m. Brown has been advised that he must register as a violent offender.

For more Kansas news, click here. Stay up to date on the latest news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.