Jun 18, 2025

Kan. murder suspect who hid from police for weeks is in jail

Posted Jun 18, 2025 10:30 AM
Watts photo Sedgwick County
Watts photo Sedgwick County

SEDGWICK COUNTY —The search for a teen wanted in connection with a homicide in Wichita ended Tuesday.

Wichita police and U.S. Marshals took wanted homicide fugitive 19-year-old Jaden Watts into custody in the area of 700 S Hunter in Wichita, according to a statement from Wichita Police.

In March, police issued a felony pick-up for Watts in connection with the shooting of 24-year-old Demarc Burgess at a residence in the 14000 block of E. Twinlake Drive in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Reboledo.  EMS transported Burgess to a local hospital where he died.

Earlier this month, the Sedgwick County District Attorney filed second-degree murder charges against Watts.

First responders located a victim later identified as 24-year-old Demarc Burgess, according to police. Burgess had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the incident occurred during a gathering at the residence, where a disturbance broke out between Watts and Burgess, which ultimately led to the shooting.   Watts is being held on bonds totaling over $500,000 in bonds.