Jul 12, 2022

Deputies capture 3rd suspect wanted for Kan. double murder

Posted Jul 12, 2022 6:00 PM
Luong-photo Sedgwick County
Luong-photo Sedgwick County

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities investigating a July 4th weekend double murder have captured a third suspect.

On Tuesday, Sheriff deputies located and arrested 42-year-old Hieu Trong Luong in east Wichita, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.

On July 8, authorities asked the public for help to locate Luong. 

Two other suspects have already been charged. David Baeza, 42 of Wichita, is charged with two counts of voluntary manslaughter. Joseph Ponse, 43 of Wichita, is charged with attempted 1st degree murder. 

Just after 5 a.m. July 3, sheriff's deputies were sent to a shooting call in the 4400 block of south Rock Road in rural Sedgwick County, according to Lt. Benjamin Blick. 

Ponse-photo Sedgwick Co.
Ponse-photo Sedgwick Co.

At the scene, first responders found 42-year-old David Baeza of Wichita on the side of the road suffering from gunshot wounds, according to Colonel Brian White with the sheriff's department. EMS transported Baeza to an area hospital for treatment and later arrested him.

Portions of Rock Road were closed during the investigation-photo courtesy KWCH
Portions of Rock Road were closed during the investigation-photo courtesy KWCH

During an additional search of the rural property, deputies found a man and woman deceased in the backyard of a residence the 4300 block of South Rock Road. They died from apparent gunshot wounds. The woman was later identified as 43-year-old Saren Negrete-Perez of California. 

Baeza-photo Sedgwick County.
Baeza-photo Sedgwick County.

While processing the scene, investigators found 43-year-old Joseph Ponse Jr.  of Wichita. Deputies booked him into the Sedgwick County jail.  The victims did not live at the location where they were killed. 

Ponse and Baeza remain jailed each on a bond of $500,000.  They are due back in court on July 18, according to the district attorney's office.