TOPEKA–Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal shooting that resulted in the death of two Kansas men is being investigated as a possible self-defense homicide.
The investigation into the death of 36-year-old Zennie L. Vasser Jr., whose body was found Wednesday in the 1300 block of SE Locust Street in Topeka, and the shooting death of 37-year-old Mark A Edwards, that occurred late Tuesday in the 1400 block of SE 14th Street in Topeka are connected and stemmed from the same incident, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Koenen.
The preliminary investigation indicates Vasser Jr. fired a weapon, striking Edwards. A witness to that incident is believed to have fired a weapon in self-defense striking Vasser Jr.
This is believed to be an isolated incident and police are not looking for additional suspects. This marks the 7th homicide in the City of Topeka in 2020.
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SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal shooting were alerted to a second death near the original crime scene.
Just before 11:30p.m. Tuesday, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center began receiving reports of guns shots in the area of the 1400 Block SE 14th in Topeka, according to Police Lieutenant Jerry Monasmith.
At the scene, officers located 37-year-old Mark Edwards suffering from life-threatening injuries and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Just after 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received a call from a citizen who stated that they located a deceased person in the 1300 block of SE Locust Street in Topeka, in the area of the crime scene of Tuesday's homicide investigation, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Koenen.
Officers and medical personnel arrived on scene and identified the victim as 36-year-old Zennie L. Vasser Jr.
He was pronounced dead at the scene. The Shawnee County Coroner’s Office is conducting their investigation to determine the cause of death. Topeka Police are investigating whether or not these deaths are connected.
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SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have identified the victim as 37-year-old Mark Edwards of Topeka, according to Police Lieutenant Jerry Monasmith.
Just before 11:30p.m. Tuesday, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center began receiving reports of guns shots in the area of the 1400 Block SE 14th in Topeka, according to Monasmith.
At the scene, officers located Edwards suffering from life-threatening injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police released no additional information early Wednesday.