Two charged in murder of child in Leavenworth
04/16/2021

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — Police say a 12-year-old child from Kansas City was shot and killed this week outside a Leavenworth pharmacy.

Leavenworth Police Chief Pat Kitchens says officers responded to several calls about a shooting at Kare pharmacy Wednesday evening but did not find any victims. About an hour later, Kansas City police reported that a family arrived at Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City with a child who was shot. The child was pronounced dead at the hospital.

According to a release from Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson, two are charged in Leavenworth County, with 25-year-old Darvon Thomas and a 17-year-old both charged in connection with the child’s death. Thomas is charged with first degree felony murder, while the 17-year-old is charged with felony murder and discharge of a firearm into an occupied vehicle.

Thompson, in the release, explains that Kansas does not allow for the identity of those under the age of 18 to be released, with those below that age “presumed a juvenile for criminal purposes.” Adding that it is possible to try a juvenile as an adult, Thompson said that would require a motion and evidentiary hearing, but does not state whether that course of action will be pursued.

Thomas is expected to appear before Judge Gerald Kuckelman, in Leavenworth County District Court, Friday. The teenage juvenile was to have a hearing Thursday afternoon.


© Associated Press

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