Demetris Gadson arrested in connection with Topeka homicide death of Dedra Simmons

Topeka police said they arrested a man Friday in connection with the homicide death that morning of a woman in central Topeka.

Demetris Terrill Gadson, 32, was taken into custody in connection with crimes linked to the death of Dedra L. Simmons, 38, of Topeka, said Lt. Ronnie Connell of the Topeka Police Department.

Police were called about 6 a.m. Friday to a report of a domestic disturbance in the 1300 block of S.W. Western Avenue, where they found Simmons suffering from life-threatening injuries, Connell said.

Simmons was taken to a Topeka hospital, where she subsequently died, Connell said.

Gadson was booked at 5:25 p.m. Friday into the Shawnee County Jail, where he was being held without bond in connection with one count each of second-degree murder, aggravated battery and cruelty to animals, jail records said.

Gadson was also being held in connection with a parole violation, jail records said.

Kansas Department of Corrections records show Gadson was released Aug. 7 from El Dorado Correctional Facility, where he was being held on Sedgwick County convictions for two counts of aggravated sexual battery and one count of aggravated burglary.

Simmons was Topeka's 10th homicide victim this year.

Further details weren't being made public.

Contact Tim Hrenchir at threnchir@gannett.com or 785-213-5934.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Demetris Gadson arrested in connection with Topeka homicide death of Dedra Simmons