Dec 16, 2024

Kan. mass shooting suspect captured in Arizona is going to prison

Posted Dec 16, 2024 12:00 AM
Dawson-photo Sedgwick County
Dawson-photo Sedgwick County

 SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas felon convicted in a fatal 2021 nightclub shooting in Wichita is going to prison.

Judge Seth Rundle sentenced 26-year-old Keshawn Dawson just more than 35-years in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In May Dawson  pleaded guilty to second-degree reckless murder and aggravated battery, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

At 12:40 a.m. on Sept. 7,  2021 officers responded to a shooting call at the Enigma Club, 351 N. Mosely in Wichita.  Officers located multiple victims that were all transported to an area hospital for medical treatment. The shooting killed 34-year-old Preston Spencer and injured six others 

The investigation revealed Dawson got into a disturbance earlier inside the club and was forced to leave.  Dawson returned a short time later and fired multiple rounds with a handgun through windows into the club from the outside, striking the victims.

At the time of the crime, Dawson had active felony Sedgwick County warrants and was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to previous felony convictions, according to Officer Charlie Davidson.

On Oct. 8, 2021 U.S. Marshals arrested Dawson in Phoenix Arizona. 

Dawson was also ordered to pay $24,000 in restitution to the Kansas Crime Victims Compensation Board and an extradition fee of more than $3,100.