Oct 07, 2023

Man killed 16-year-old Kansas boy during argument

Posted Oct 07, 2023 1:00 AM
Kelly-photo Sedgwick Co.
Kelly-photo Sedgwick Co.

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas man has been sentenced to prison for the shooting death of a 16-year-old boy in 2021. 

Last week, a judge sentenced 22-year-old Tyler Kelly to 25 years to life for first-degree murder, 43 months for aggravated burglary, and 13 months for aggravated assault, according to the Sedgwick County the District Attorney's office. Kelly is required to serve 25 years plus 56 months before being considered for parole.   A jury convicted him of the murder in July of 2023.

In July of 2021, police responded to a shooting in the 2600 block of North Piatt Street in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson. First responders found 16-year-old Joseph Florence with a gunshot wound. EMS transported the teen to an area hospital where the boy died.

Kelly, another teen suspect and Florence knew each other and that the shooting was the result of an argument, according to police.