Kiarra Hazelton and Dontae Knight died in Topeka murder-suicide

Kiarra Hazelton and Dontae Knight Death – Authorities have officially identified the victims who lost their lives in a recent tragic shooting incident that occurred in south Topeka. Rosie Nichols from the Topeka Police Department (TPD) has confirmed that the individuals are Kiarra Hazelton, aged 24, and Dontae E. Knight, aged 31, both residents of Topeka. The investigation into this distressing event is currently being treated as a murder-suicide.

The TPD’s prompt response was prompted by reports of a potential shooting in the 2100 block of Southwest Plass Ave, situated across from Washburn University on Tuesday, August 15th, 2023. Upon arrival, officers discovered two adults who were unresponsive and suffering from life-threatening injuries. Regrettably, medical authorities later pronounced them deceased. An earlier press release from the TPD stated that the two adults were acquainted with each other.

The investigation remains active and ongoing, as law enforcement strives to piece together the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident. Individuals possessing any pertinent information are urged to reach out to authorities. Emails can be directed to [email protected], or individuals can contact the Topeka Police Criminal Investigation Bureau at 785-368-9400. Alternatively, tips can be submitted to the Shawnee County Crime Stoppers at 785-234-0007. Your assistance could prove vital in helping uncover the details behind this unfortunate event.

RELATED ARTICLE: Couple’s death in Topeka ruled a murder-suicide

On Tuesday, March 22nd, 2022, authorities disclosed that a couple discovered deceased in their residence in Topeka met their end in a tragic murder-suicide incident. The individuals were identified as Linda Marie Vidosh-Zempel and John Alfred John Zempel, both aged 68. The distressing discovery took place during the evening of the previous day. According to Jackson County, Kansas Sheriff Tim Morse, the sequence of events began when a woman contacted emergency services on Monday to report her spouse’s passing.

Upon the deputies arrival, they encountered an armed woman within the residence and heard the sound of a gunshot, as described by Morse. Morse conveyed that after a comprehensive investigation, it has been ascertained that Vidosh-Zempel, who had been dealing with mental health challenges in recent times, was responsible for fatally shooting her husband on Monday. Subsequently, when the deputies arrived at the scene, she turned the weapon on herself, leading to her own tragic demise.

The family will release Kiarra Hazelton and Dontae Knight’s obituary and funeral arrangements at a later date.

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