Tragedy in Wichita: Pregnant Woman Fatally Shot, Baby Delivered and Fighting for Life in NICU
WICHITA, KANSAS — A 20-year-old pregnant woman has died after being shot in her apartment, but doctors were able to deliver her baby in a desperate effort to save the child’s life. The tragic incident unfolded in the early hours of Sunday, sending shockwaves through the local community and leaving a family shattered.
The victim, identified as Naomi Oglesby, was in the late stages of pregnancy when she was shot inside her residence in southeast Wichita. Wichita Police responded to a call for a shooting at an apartment complex located near the intersection of Harry and Webb Road. Upon arrival, officers discovered Oglesby suffering from life-threatening gunshot wounds.
Emergency medical personnel rushed her to a nearby hospital, where trauma teams immediately began working to save her life and the life of her unborn child. Despite their efforts, Oglesby succumbed to her injuries. However, doctors were able to perform an emergency delivery and save her baby. The newborn was immediately transferred to the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), where they remain under close observation.
Authorities confirmed that a suspect was taken into custody at the scene without incident. The alleged shooter has been identified as 19-year-old Matthew Wayne Criscenzo, who is believed to have known Oglesby personally. Police have not yet disclosed the exact nature of their relationship but confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Criscenzo has been charged with first-degree murder. As of Monday morning, he remains in the Sedgwick County Jail awaiting arraignment. Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances leading up to the shooting and have not yet released a possible motive.
Neighbors described hearing a commotion followed by gunshots during the early morning hours. “I heard screaming and then a loud bang,” said one resident, who asked not to be named. “It’s heartbreaking. She was so young and expecting a baby. I can’t believe something like this happened just a few doors down.”
Family members of Oglesby are grieving the sudden and violent loss of a young woman they described as joyful, nurturing, and excited to become a mother. “She was looking forward to being a mom more than anything,” said a cousin. “This wasn’t supposed to happen.”
Community members have begun placing flowers and candles outside the apartment complex in her memory. A GoFundMe campaign has also been launched to help support the baby’s medical care and assist with funeral expenses.
Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan expressed condolences to the family during a Monday press briefing and commended the officers and paramedics who responded to the scene. “This is a devastating situation,” Sullivan said. “Our hearts go out to Naomi’s family, especially that newborn baby who has now entered this world without their mother. We will do everything we can to ensure justice is served.”
This marks one of several violent incidents involving young victims in Wichita this year. Local advocates are calling for more resources to support families and prevent domestic violence, which authorities believe may have played a role in this case.
As of now, the newborn’s condition has not been publicly disclosed, though family members say the child is stable and showing signs of strength.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police ask anyone with additional information about the case to contact Wichita Crime Stoppers at (316) 267-2111.
This story will be updated as more details emerge about the investigation, the suspect’s court proceedings, and the condition of the infant.