EDWARDS COUNTY – Two men have been arrested following an investigation by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and Edwards County Sheriff’s Office connected to a violent assault in December 2025.
On Dec. 8, the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office requested the KBI assist with a sexual assault and battery investigation that occurred Dec. 6 and Dec. 7, at a residence in Belpre, Kansas, according to a media release from the KBI.
Following the investigation, the Wichita Police Department assisted by arresting the suspects.
Just before 11a.m. Monday, police arrested 31-year-old Colin M. Welch of Wichita, on requested charges of attempted first-degree murder, rape, aggravated battery and criminal threat. Just before 9a..m. Monday police arrested 54-year-old Jeffrey T. Diederich of Wichita for one count of attempted first-degree murder.
The investigation indicated Welch strangled and raped one adult victim. Diederich is alleged to have been present during the incidents.
Both suspects were booked into the Sedgwick County Detention Facility.
Anyone with information related to this case is asked to call the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME. Anonymous tips can also be submitted online at www.kbi.ks.gov/sar.