Top Kansas School Commissioner Suspended over Remark
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas’ school board has suspended the state’s top public school administrator over an offensive public comment about Native Americans. Its decision Friday to suspend Education Commissioner Randy Watson for 30 days without pay came after it unanimously rejected the resignation he submitted after the governor and indigenous leaders demanded it. Board Chair Jim Porter said members believe in what he called restorative justice and considered Watson's entire career. The elected 10-member board appointed Watson commissioner in November 2015 to run the State Department of Education. The board’s suspension frustrated Native American leaders who had joined Governor Laura Kelly on Thursday for Watson to step down.
==========
Missouri Man Sentenced in Deaths of 4 Family Members
PLATTE CITY, Mo. (AP) — A 30-year-old Missouri man who killed four family members, including an infant, has been sentenced to four life terms plus 115 years. Platte County authorities said Grayden Denham was sentenced Friday. He was convicted in December of 10 felonies, including four counts of first-degree murder. Prosecutors said he shot his grandfather, grandmother, sister, and her 3-month-old son in February 2016 and burned their bodies. Their bodies were discovered near the family home in Edgerton. Denham was arrested two days later when he was found naked in a street in Arizona. Prosecutors said Denham was seen arguing with his grandfather the day before the killings, and had been using methamphetamine.
==========
Two Men Charged in Fatal Beating of Homeless Man in Wichita
WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Two men are charged with second-degree murder in the fatal beating of a homeless man in Wichita. 63-year-old David Chandler and 31-year-old Abel Molina made their first appearances in court Friday. Their bonds were set at $500,000 and their next court appearances are scheduled for March 7th. Police say Chandler and Molina, who are also homeless, assaulted 30-year-old Blake Barnes on February 22nd at a bridge near downtown Wichita. Police said witnesses reported Barnes was hit several times with a metal pipe.
==========
Wichita Police: Two Deaths Appear to be Murder-Suicide
WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Wichita police say the deaths of a man and woman at a recreational vehicle park appear to be a murder-suicide. Officers found the bodies of 56-year-old Jay Shrum and 59-year-old Marni Shrum late Thursday at the All Seasons RV Park. Officers went to the area after someone called 911 to report not being able to get ahold of them. Police spokesman Trevor Macy said the Shrums died of apparent gunshot wounds. Macy said the deaths appear to be a domestic violence murder-suicide but the investigation continues.
==========
Leavenworth Man Sentenced in Fatal Hit-and-Run
LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — A 37-year-old Leavenworth man has been sentenced to 3.5 years in jail for a fatal hit-and-run. Justen Michael McCarter was sentenced Thursday in the death of 44-year-old Adam Wheeler in March 2020. Police say McCarter was speeding on a stolen motorcycle when he hit Wheeler, who was crossing a Leavenworth street. KSHB-TV reports witnesses told police McCarter was drag racing when he hit Wheeler. McCarter pleaded guilty in October to involuntary manslaughter and possession of a stolen motorcycle.