Man charged in Topeka’s 10th homicide of 2024, animal cruelty

TOPEKA ( KSNT ) – The Shawnee County District Attorney’s Office has filed charges against a man who is accused of killing a woman in a domestic violence incident.

Wednesday, Shawnee County District Attorney Mike Kagay has officially charged 32-year-old Demetris Gadson with the following charges:

• Count 1: Murder in the Second Degree- Intentional
• Count 2: Cruelty to Animals- Maliciously Kill or Injure

Gadson’s bond is currently set for $750,000. He is expected to appear in court at 1 p.m. on Sept. 12, 2024.

The Topeka Police Department (TPD) investigated an aggravated battery incident that resulted in Topeka’s 10th homicide of this year. Around 6 a.m. Friday, July 19, police responded to a domestic disturbance call at the 1300 block of Southwest Western Avenue, according to a news release from TPD.

Officers found one individual suffering from life-threatening injuries at the scene, who was later transported to a local hospital. After investigating, the deceased was identified as a 38-year-old Dedra L. Simmons , of Topeka. 32-year-old Demetris Gadson who police believed to be involved was taken into custody at the Law Enforcement Center to speak with TPD detectives.

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