SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fifth deadly shooting over the past week in Topeka.
Just after 9:30 a.m. Sunday, police responded to a report of an individual laying in the front yard of a home in the 1600 block of SW 21st Street in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Matt Danielson.
First responder located 23-year-old Jackson E. Danner of Topeka who was pronounced deceased at the scene. This incident is being investigated as a homicide.
On Saturday, police responded to a shooting in the 400 block of NE Grattan Street in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Donna Eubanks.
Officers were able to secure the scene and located 4-year-old Lawrencia Perez-Belair who appeared to be suffering from a gunshot wound. The girl was transported to a local hospital and died.
Early Sunday police reported the arrest of 24-year-old Mariann L. Belair, 24, Topeka. She is being held in Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges Murder in the 1st degree, in the commission of a felony and Aggravated Endangering a child, reckless situation. Police have not reported the relationship between the woman and the child victim.
On Friday, police responded to a report of a shooting victim at a local hospital, according to Topeka Police Captain Jerry Monasmith.
At the hospital, officers located 17-year-old Damayah Calhoun suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. Medical personnel pronounce Calhoun deceased.
The Friday incident is being investigated as a homicide.
Just after 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, police responded to a shooting in the 1200 block of SW Clay Street in Topeka. First responders located Ra’Juan Spicer, 18, Topeka, suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound.
EMS personnel pronounced him deceased at the scene.
At 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, police responded to a shooting in the 2000 block of SE Pennsylvania Street in Topeka.
First responders located 17-year-old Victor Carlton suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. Medical personnel pronounced him dead at the scene. Police have not reported an arrest in these cases.
Danner's death is the city’s 31st homicide of 2023.