Wichita Community Shaken After 21-Year-Old Man Dies Following Shooting Outside Afton Motel; Police Continue Investigation Into Deadly Disturbance Near South Broadway and Kellogg Avenue

 

WICHITA, Kan. — April 25, 2025
A disturbance in the parking lot of a south Wichita motel escalated into deadly violence Wednesday evening, resulting in the tragic death of a 21-year-old man, according to authorities.

Wichita Police Lt. Lee Eisenbise confirmed that officers were dispatched to the scene shortly before 8:30 p.m. after reports of gunfire erupted near the Afton Motel, located in the 800 block of South Broadway, just south of the busy Kellogg Avenue corridor.

When officers arrived, they found the crime scene already cleared of the wounded victim, who had been rushed by private vehicle to a nearby hospital. Upon arrival at the emergency department, the man was listed in critical condition. Despite aggressive life-saving efforts by medical personnel, the young man was pronounced dead shortly after.

Investigation Into the Shooting Underway

Lt. Eisenbise told reporters that investigators are working diligently to piece together the events that led to the fatal shooting. At this time, specific details regarding the nature of the initial disturbance or the identity of any suspects have not been released. Police are urging any witnesses or individuals with information to come forward, as they work to establish a timeline and determine a motive for the violence.

“The circumstances surrounding the disturbance and the subsequent shooting remain under active investigation,” Eisenbise stated during a brief press conference late Wednesday night.

Detectives spent several hours at the Afton Motel gathering evidence, reviewing surveillance footage, and canvassing the area for potential witnesses. Officers could be seen cordoning off sections of the motel parking lot with crime scene tape as they meticulously documented the scene.

Community Reaction and Concerns

The Afton Motel, located just a short distance from one of Wichita’s busiest thoroughfares, has previously drawn attention for various disturbances, though police did not confirm whether the location’s history played any role in Wednesday’s tragedy.

News of the shooting has left the local community shaken, with residents expressing concern about growing violence in areas surrounding downtown Wichita. Many said they were devastated to hear of yet another young life lost to gunfire.

“It’s heartbreaking. Another young man gone too soon,” said Deborah Mills, a resident who lives a few blocks away. “We need to find a way to stop this cycle before more families are left grieving.”

City leaders have made addressing violent crime a top priority, but incidents like this highlight the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement and the broader community.

Police Seeking Public’s Help

Authorities are asking anyone who may have witnessed the disturbance or shooting, or who may have video footage from the area around the time of the incident, to contact Wichita Police detectives or Crime Stoppers. Tips can be submitted anonymously and could prove critical in solving the case and bringing closure to the victim’s family.

At this time, the name of the deceased has not been publicly released pending notification of next of kin.

Looking Ahead

The Wichita Police Department plans to provide additional updates as the investigation progresses. Meanwhile, a community mourns yet another tragedy, hopeful that justice will be served for a young man whose life ended far too soon.