Kansas Klips

Hays tattoo artist killed in Russell, wife injured, suspect arrested

HAYS—The Kansas Bureau of Investigation issued a news release on Friday, April 25th, stating that the Russell Police Department responded after a citizen called 911 to report a shooting. When officers arrived in the 800 block of East Second Street in Russell, they found 49-year-old Deborah Torres of Russell with apparent gunshot wounds. The press release said her husband, 49-year-old Robert Torres of Russell, was inside their home. When officers entered the house, they found Torres deceased in the living room from apparent gunshot wounds. The KBI statement said officers cleared the home and found no other individuals inside. Officers obtained information leading them to suspect 33-year-old Robert “Bobby” James Torres of Russell, who was allegedly responsible for the shootings, the press release said. Deputies from the Russell County Sheriff’s Office located the suspect in the 2200 block of U.S. Highway 40 in Russell and took him into custody without incident. The press release said Bobby Torres was booked into the Russell County Jail on suspicion of first-degree murder and attempted murder. An autopsy will be conducted, according to the KBI press release. The investigation remains ongoing; all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Debbie Torres was hospitalized with Robert and Debbie’s niece, Crystal Damm, creating a GoFundMe stating Debbie is expected to make a full recovery. The fundraiser will help cover funeral and medical expenses. (Hays Post)

Bomb threat briefly closed Kansas Walgreens store

HARVEY COUNTY—The Walgreens at 1300 North Main Street was closed briefly on Friday morning, April 25th, after a bomb threat was called into the store, according to a statement from Newton Police. It was reportedly one of multiple similar threats in the state. Officers checked the store and determined the threat was not credible, and the store management made the decision to reopen it to the public. (Hays Post)

Attempted murder reported in Hays

ELLIS COUNTY—On Friday, April 25th, at approximately 11:21 a.m., officers were dispatched to a shots fired call in the 300 block of East 14th Street in Hays. The reporting party stated that Michael Neuwirth had fired a gun at her and her friend before fleeing the area in a blue Chevy Cruze. Officers responded to the scene and began searching the area. At about 11:26 a.m., officers received a report of a male running from a vehicle and between houses with a handgun in the 100 block of West 19th Street as officers moved into the area. Michael Neuwirth was contacted and taken into custody in the 300 block of West 21st Street without incident. Detectives from the Hays Police Department contacted the reporting party and verified that Michael Neuwirth was the only suspect involved in the incident. The suspect’s firearm and vehicle were located minutes later. Michael J. Neuwirth, 27, is currently being held in the Ellis County Jail on the charge of attempted first-degree murder. He is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This incident is still under investigation. (Hays Post)

Unlicensed Kansas daycare owner charged in baby’s death

TOPEKA—A Barton County woman has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of a four-month-old baby, Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach said on Thursday, April 24th. Christy Nemnich of Ellinwood was charged with one count of first-degree murder, two counts of child abuse, and one count of operating an unlicensed daycare in Barton County District Court in connection with the March 28th, 2023 death of an infant referred to in records as ”M.R.” The charges were filed by First Assistant Attorney General Megan Ahsens of Kobach’s office. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case with the assistance of the Barton County Sheriff’s Office. (KAKE)

Dogs rescued, more found dead in north central Kansas

JEWELL COUNTY—Law enforcement and animal rescue agencies assisted Jewell County Sheriff’s Deputies in seizing multiple dogs at a residence in the rural community of Esbon on April 24th, according to a social media report from the sheriff’s office. Authorities found the dogs in “unimaginable conditions,” according to the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City. Dozens of other animals were already dead. The Humane Society of Greater Kansas City took in 40 of the dogs, and the Hutchinson Animal Shelter also took dogs. Authorities have not reported possible charges in the case. (Hays Post)