SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man has been found guilty in a drug deal killing of a teenager.
Last week, 27-year-old Jaron Palmer of Wichita was found guilty of first-degree murder in the April 2021 death of Eric Stokes Jr. at a west Wichita apartment complex, according to the Sedgwick County district attorney's office.
In April of 2021 , police were dispatched to report of a shooting at the Morgan's Landing Apartments complex in the 3800 Block of West 13th Street in Wichita, according to Police Captain Jason Stephens.
When officers arrived, they learned there were five individuals inside the apartment at the time of the incident including 17-year-old Eric Stokes of Wichita who was shot and killed.
Through the investigation, detectives determined two suspects and possibly others were involved in the incident.
EMS transported a second shooting victim identified as a 17-year-old boy to a local hospital. He was treated for minor injuries and released, according to Stephens.
Investigators learned that three unknown, armed suspects arrived at the apartment, forced their way in and fired several shots that killed Stokes. The suspects fled on foot from the apartment complex. It was not a random incident and drugs are believed to have played a part, according to Stephens.
Police released a video of two suspects involved in the homicide. After the release, police received numerous tips from the community, which led to the identification and arrest of 18-year-old Easton Palmer and 18-year-old Breckyn I. Elliot both of Wichita. They were originally charged with first degree murder and aggravated robbery. Elliott charge were later reduced to attempted obstruction and attempted possession of marijuana.
On June 21, police arrested Jaron Palmer. He is scheduled for sentencing in March, according to the district attorney's office.
Stokes was killed at Morgan's Landing Apartments near 13th and West Street. Police say Stokes and four others were in an apartment when three armed suspects in masks forced their way inside. Stokes and the others went into a bedroom, and police allege the suspects fired several shots. A second teen suffered minor injuries in the shooting.
Investigators said they believed the shooting to be drug-related.
Easton Shaner-Palmer, 21, Jaron's brother, was also arrested in connection to the shooting. He pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary and attempted robbery in August of 2023 and was sentenced to five years and five months in prison. The third suspect, 21-year-old Breckyn Elliott, is charged with attempted obstruction and attempted possession of marijuana.
Palmer is scheduled for sentencing on March 8.