Following is recent booking activity for the Saline County Jail, as provided by law enforcement. Photos, if provided, are courtesy of Saline County Jail. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body and Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation Violation

Following is recent booking activity for the Saline County Jail, as provided by law enforcement. Photos, if provided, are courtesy of Saline County Jail. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741098285628.png" alt="Sailor, Montana Lynn" />
 <figcaption>Sailor, Montana Lynn</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Sailor, Montana LynnREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body and Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741006996051.jpeg" alt="Pfeifer, Jara Lyn " />
 <figcaption>Pfeifer, Jara Lyn </figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Pfeifer, Jara LynREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation Violation

Saline County Jail Bookings, March 4

UPDATE: The hearing scheduled on March 3 was continued.  According to court records, Barrioz's next court date is set for March 31.&nbsp;&nbsp;

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A woman accused of driving a stolen vehicle that was involved in a crash that killed a Hutchinson woman has made is due back in court Monday afternoon.

Katelyn Elizabeth Barrioz, 24, Wichita, is schedule for a preliminary hearing before Judge Seth Rundle, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In November she was charged with First-Degree Felony Murder, Second-Degree Murder – Reckless, Felony Flee and Elude, Aggravated Burglary, Auto Theft and Criminal Damage to Property, according to Wichita Police spokesman Andrew Ford.

On October 27, police located an occupied stolen vehicle at the Riverwalk Apartments, according to Officer Kris Gupilan. Officers monitored the vehicle using unmarked cars, and air support was requested from the Kansas Highway Patrol.

&nbsp;The vehicle stopped at Walmart, 29th and Rock Road in Wichita. Officers deployed spike strips to prevent the vehicle from leaving, successfully deflating two tires.

Despite this, the suspect later identified as Barrioz, fled the Walmart parking lot, striking a police vehicle.

Officers did not pursue the vehicle, but KHP air support continued to track it from above. The vehicle proceeded to a business on North Webb Road, where two individuals exited the vehicle and fled on foot.

One individual was apprehended, while&nbsp; Barrioz stole the van from the business and fled south on Webb, then west on 29th Street, according to Gupilan.

KHP Air maintained surveillance of the stolen vehicle, which, at 29th and Wilderness, collided with a&nbsp; Chevy Cobalt.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported the stolen 2024 Ford Transit Van driven by Barrioz, 24, Wichita, was westbound in the eastbound lanes in the&nbsp;8700 block of E 29th St N in Wichita traveling in the inside lane.

The van struck an eastbound 2010 Chevy Cobalt driven by Mandy Lynn&nbsp;Buckwalter, 43, Hutchinson, head-on.

Buckwalter was pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported Barrioz to Wesley Medical Center for treatment. She was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on Tuesday evening, according to online jail records. Police presented their case to the district attorney on Thursday.

Barrioz remains jailed on a bond of $1.2 million.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730458850794.png" alt="The red dot from a laser pointer used by Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan shows Barrioz driving the wihite van just before the fatal head-on crash" />
 <figcaption>The red dot from a laser pointer used by Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan shows Barrioz driving the wihite van just before the fatal head-on crash</figcaption>
 </figure>UPDATE: The hearing scheduled on March 3 was continued. According to court records, Barrioz's next court date is set for March 31.&nbsp;&nbsp;SEDGWICK COUNTY — A woman accused of driving a stolen vehicle that was involved in a crash that killed a Hutchinson woman has made is due back in court Monday afternoon.Katelyn Elizabeth Barrioz, 24, Wichita, is schedule for a preliminary hearing before Judge Seth Rundle, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.In November she was charged with First-Degree Felony Murder, Second-Degree Murder – Reckless, Felony Flee and Elude, Aggravated Burglary, Auto Theft and Criminal Damage to Property, according to Wichita Police spokesman Andrew Ford.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730284905956.png" alt="Barrioz photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Barrioz photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>On October 27, police located an occupied stolen vehicle at the Riverwalk Apartments, according to Officer Kris Gupilan. Officers monitored the vehicle using unmarked cars, and air support was requested from the Kansas Highway Patrol.&nbsp;The vehicle stopped at Walmart, 29th and Rock Road in Wichita. Officers deployed spike strips to prevent the vehicle from leaving, successfully deflating two tires.Despite this, the suspect later identified as Barrioz, fled the Walmart parking lot, striking a police vehicle.Officers did not pursue the vehicle, but KHP air support continued to track it from above. The vehicle proceeded to a business on North Webb Road, where two individuals exited the vehicle and fled on foot.One individual was apprehended, while&nbsp; Barrioz stole the van from the business and fled south on Webb, then west on 29th Street, according to Gupilan.KHP Air maintained surveillance of the stolen vehicle, which, at 29th and Wilderness, collided with a&nbsp; Chevy Cobalt.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported the stolen 2024 Ford Transit Van driven by Barrioz, 24, Wichita, was westbound in the eastbound lanes in the&nbsp;8700 block of E 29th St N in Wichita traveling in the inside lane.The van struck an eastbound 2010 Chevy Cobalt driven by Mandy Lynn&nbsp;Buckwalter, 43, Hutchinson, head-on.Buckwalter was pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported Barrioz to Wesley Medical Center for treatment. She was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on Tuesday evening, according to online jail records. Police presented their case to the district attorney on Thursday.Barrioz remains jailed on a bond of $1.2 million.&nbsp;

Plea hearing for stolen vehicle crash that killed Kansas woman

Sarah Anne (Toburen) Lindblad, 85, passed away peacefully on February 23, 2025, in Lindsborg, Kansas.  Born on June 9, 1939, in Orlando, Oklahoma, Sarah grew up in a home filled with faith as the daughter of a preacher. Her upbringing instilled in her a deep love for the church and a steadfast devotion to her beliefs. Her faith provided strength during difficult times, moments of joyous celebration, and a sense of community throughout it all.

Sarah dedicated her life to teaching and nurturing young minds. She began her career at Grace E. Stewart Elementary School, where she taught until the birth of her second child, Jason. Later, when her daughter Jenny was in school, she returned to teaching at Southeast of Saline, where she remained until her retirement. She was a beloved educator who touched the lives of countless students and fellow teachers with her kindness and passion for learning.

Music was an integral part of Sarah’s life. She was an active choir member throughout college at Kansas Wesleyan University and carried that love forward by leading children’s choirs in Sunday school and Bible school. She also directed and participated in the adult church choir, sharing her gift of music with those around her.

Sarah’s warmth and generosity were evident in every aspect of her life. She radiated kindness with a beautiful smile and was always ready to offer one of her famous hugs. The friendships she formed were abundant. There were very few things she valued more than the love of her friends.

She is survived by her daughter Jenny Casey and son-in-law Tom; cherished grandsons Caleb and Joshua; as well as her in-laws Winona, Dodie, Shirley, and David, along with several nieces and nephews who will forever hold her memory close to their hearts. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 55 years, James Lindblad; son Jason Lindblad; parents Les Toburen and Lily (Mengedoth) Toburen; stepmother Cecil Toburen; and brothers Gerald (Toby) and Les Jr.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on March 15, 2025, at 10:30 AM at Assaria Lutheran Church, 124 W First St., Assaria, Kansas. A light meal will be served in the community life room following the service, with a private interment to follow.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Sarah’s memory are encouraged to share a smile with a stranger, embrace loved ones with a warm hug, support a teacher by providing classroom supplies or books, play a song that touches the soul, plant something beautiful in her honor, or worship in whatever way brings peace—just as Sarah would have wanted. Donations may also be made in her honor to Assaria Lutheran Church or the KWU Philharmonic Choir.

Sarah’s legacy of love, faith, and kindness will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741011778813.jpeg" alt="Sarah Anne (Toburen) Lindblad" />
 <figcaption>Sarah Anne (Toburen) Lindblad</figcaption>
 </figure>Sarah Anne (Toburen) Lindblad, 85, passed away peacefully on February 23, 2025, in Lindsborg, Kansas. Born on June 9, 1939, in Orlando, Oklahoma, Sarah grew up in a home filled with faith as the daughter of a preacher. Her upbringing instilled in her a deep love for the church and a steadfast devotion to her beliefs. Her faith provided strength during difficult times, moments of joyous celebration, and a sense of community throughout it all.Sarah dedicated her life to teaching and nurturing young minds. She began her career at Grace E. Stewart Elementary School, where she taught until the birth of her second child, Jason. Later, when her daughter Jenny was in school, she returned to teaching at Southeast of Saline, where she remained until her retirement. She was a beloved educator who touched the lives of countless students and fellow teachers with her kindness and passion for learning.Music was an integral part of Sarah’s life. She was an active choir member throughout college at Kansas Wesleyan University and carried that love forward by leading children’s choirs in Sunday school and Bible school. She also directed and participated in the adult church choir, sharing her gift of music with those around her.Sarah’s warmth and generosity were evident in every aspect of her life. She radiated kindness with a beautiful smile and was always ready to offer one of her famous hugs. The friendships she formed were abundant. There were very few things she valued more than the love of her friends.She is survived by her daughter Jenny Casey and son-in-law Tom; cherished grandsons Caleb and Joshua; as well as her in-laws Winona, Dodie, Shirley, and David, along with several nieces and nephews who will forever hold her memory close to their hearts. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 55 years, James Lindblad; son Jason Lindblad; parents Les Toburen and Lily (Mengedoth) Toburen; stepmother Cecil Toburen; and brothers Gerald (Toby) and Les Jr.A Celebration of Life service will be held on March 15, 2025, at 10:30 AM at Assaria Lutheran Church, 124 W First St., Assaria, Kansas. A light meal will be served in the community life room following the service, with a private interment to follow.In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Sarah’s memory are encouraged to share a smile with a stranger, embrace loved ones with a warm hug, support a teacher by providing classroom supplies or books, play a song that touches the soul, plant something beautiful in her honor, or worship in whatever way brings peace—just as Sarah would have wanted. Donations may also be made in her honor to Assaria Lutheran Church or the KWU Philharmonic Choir.Sarah’s legacy of love, faith, and kindness will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Sarah Anne (Toburen) Lindblad

Violation of restrictions on driver's license or permit

Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant

Following is recent booking activity for the Saline County Jail, as provided by law enforcement. Photos, if provided, are courtesy of Saline County Jail. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741006946426.jpeg" alt="Eilrich,Jessica Coraleann .jpg" />
 <figcaption>Eilrich,Jessica Coraleann .jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Eilrich,Jessica Coraleann REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Violation of restrictions on driver's license or permitDriving While SuspendedNo Proof Of Insurance<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741006996051.jpeg" alt="Pfeifer,Jara Lyn " />
 <figcaption>Pfeifer,Jara Lyn </figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Pfeifer,Jara Lyn REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741007034010.jpeg" alt="Redmond,Diego Joseph" />
 <figcaption>Redmond,Diego Joseph</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Redmond,Diego JosephREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Failure to appearDriving While Suspended<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741007063134.jpeg" alt="Sailor,Montana Lynn" />
 <figcaption>Sailor,Montana Lynn</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Sailor,Montana LynnREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human bodyPoss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741007080605.jpeg" alt="Smith,Tony Lee" />
 <figcaption>Smith,Tony Lee</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Smith,Tony LeeREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human bodyDriving While SuspendedPoss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant

Saline County Jail Bookings, March 3

&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY–Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on drug allegations.

Just after 10a.m. Feb. 28, sheriff's deputies executed a a narcotics search warrant on the residence located at 215 Dakota Avenue in Holton, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

During the search, methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and firearms were recovered.&nbsp; The two occupants of the residence, Scott Allen Strube, 55, of Holton and Sindee Lynn Holcomb, 59, of Holton were arrested.

Scott Allen Strube was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine,&nbsp;possession of drug paraphernalia and criminal possession of a firearm.

Sindee Lynn Holcomb was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of&nbsp; possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The Holton Police Department assisted with the incident.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740692339815.png" alt="Strube photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Strube photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY–Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on drug allegations.Just after 10a.m. Feb. 28, sheriff's deputies executed a a narcotics search warrant on the residence located at 215 Dakota Avenue in Holton, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.During the search, methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and firearms were recovered.&nbsp; The two occupants of the residence, Scott Allen Strube, 55, of Holton and Sindee Lynn Holcomb, 59, of Holton were arrested.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740692396381.png" alt="Holcomb photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Holcomb photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Scott Allen Strube was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine,&nbsp;possession of drug paraphernalia and criminal possession of a firearm.Sindee Lynn Holcomb was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of&nbsp; possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.The Holton Police Department assisted with the incident.

Deputies recover firearms and illegal drugs from Kansas home

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor

NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Deherrera, Angela Nicole

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Violation of restrictions on driver's license or permit, Driving While Suspended and No Proof Of Insurance

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; Failure to Appear

REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Failure to appear and Driving While Suspended

Following is recent booking activity for the Saline County Jail, as provided by law enforcement. Photos, if provided, are courtesy of Saline County Jail. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1740944578145.png" alt="Collicott, Christopher Shawn" />
 <figcaption>Collicott, Christopher Shawn</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Collicott, Christopher ShawnREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1740944618269.png" alt="Deherrera, Angela Nicole" />
 <figcaption>Deherrera, Angela Nicole</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;&nbsp;Deherrera, Angela NicoleREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1740944660417.png" alt="Eilrich, Jessica Coraleann" />
 <figcaption>Eilrich, Jessica Coraleann</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Eilrich, Jessica CoraleannREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Violation of restrictions on driver's license or permit, Driving While Suspended and No Proof Of Insurance<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1740944717848.png" alt="McClure, Heather Ann" />
 <figcaption>McClure, Heather Ann</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;McClure, Heather AnnREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp; Failure to Appear<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1740944758682.png" alt="Redmond, Diego Joseph" />
 <figcaption>Redmond, Diego Joseph</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Redmond, Diego JosephREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;&nbsp;Failure to appear and Driving While Suspended

Saline County Jail Bookings, March 2

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The most extensive database on Vietnam War causalities was the passion of a man from Hays.

The late Richard Coffelt, a longtime Hays attorney, spent years and his own money researching and amassing the <a href="https://www.coffeltdatabase.org/">Coffelt Database</a>, which is now available for free through the National Archives.

Although others contributed to the database and Coffelt wanted the record source named something more accessible, the database was named in honor of him.

Jo Ann Jennings, Coffelt's wife, recounted information about the database during a lecture at the Hays VFW on Feb. 16.

Coffelt was a U.S. Army veteran who served during the Korean War. He had no connection with the Vietnam War.

However, in 1980, he became acquainted with the mother of&nbsp;Gary Lee Binder of Hays. Gary Binder, who served with the Navy, was killed in action in 1967 in Vietnam, and Coffelt wanted to learn more about the circumstances of Binder's death.

Jennings explained this was before the rise of personal computing and Google, which meant hours spent at libraries, especially the&nbsp;Presidential Library of Lyndon Baines Johnson in Austin, Texas. She said she spent many vacations accompanying Richard on research trips, sometimes at his side in study rooms.

Johnson sent a letter of condolence to every family of a service member killed in Vietnam during his administration. Those letters included the unit numbers of the service members, which made them valuable in Coffelt's research.

Jennings said Richard spent countless hours taking notes on yellow legal pads.

Coffelt saw the need to connect soldiers with other soldiers. The men who served wanted to know what had happened to their buddies.

Jennings said Coffelt was interested in working on the research because the federal government didn't keep track of the units the men who were killed in action were from.

He said having a unit designation was the most important thing to know if you wanted to know what happened to your friend.

“I felt that if I just looked long enough, hard enough, I would hit the mother lode,” Coffelt was quoted as saying in a story published in the February 2012 edition of the VVA Veteran magazine. 

“I still felt that there had to be some government source that would have all this information. It became kind of a game to try and locate the information in some government repository somewhere.”

In 1993-94, after PCs had become commonplace, Tom Holloway (Emory University, Atlanta) changed the landscape by obtaining the Department of Defense's casualty database and the Army Adjutant General's database in digital form, according to the database's website.

"Using the university's mainframe computers to read the reel-to-reel computer tapes,&nbsp;Holloway integrated the two databases and converted the information into a commonly used small-computer format. The "Holloway Database" effectively became the public's sole source of information regarding all American Vietnam dead," the database website said.

The database website said that in the late 1990s, others joined Coffelt's effort, contributing information and collating the collected material into digital form using the Holloway database as a baseline, the database said.

"The additional resources allowed the project's scope to expand to include units of assignment information for all service branches," according to the database's website. "In 2002, an early version of the Coffelt Database was deeded to the National Archives, which made it available online as a searchable database," the database said.

Jennings said Coffelt amassed a library that filled a room floor to ceiling with more than 300 books on Vietnam. She said her husband had read every book.

She said her husband had an almost photographic memory of the information. She recalled a person from Australia writing Coffelt, asking him if he might know what happened to his uncle.&nbsp;

Without the need to look at any source, Coffelt was able to write him a page of the entire account of the battle in which the man's uncle was killed and what happened in that battle.

"He had super-detailed information just from his remembrance," Jennings said.

A Vietnam veteran who worked on the database with Coffelt spoke at his funeral and said, "Richard knew more about what happened in Vietnam than any soldier that was there, and he wasn't there."

Today, the database contains more than 60,000 names and more than 1 million pieces of information. Gary L. Noller, Co. B, 1/46th Infantry, Vietnam 1970-71, called the database a gift to and for Vietnam veterans and their families.

He said in a letter on the database, often, the child or grandchild of a Vietnam casualty wishes to contact a veteran who served with their deceased family member.

Prior to the Coffelt Database, a search of this kind was often overwhelming. The official record listed casualties by unit at the division or brigade level,&nbsp;Noller said in his letter.

Coffelt's research expanded the casualty database to list the company and battalion-level casualties, Noller said.

"This effectively reduced the search for a veteran from a magnitude of 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 100. It can be said that the Coffelt Database made the search at least 100 times easier to conduct,"&nbsp;Noller said.

Vietnam veteran Dick Arnold worked on the database with Coffelt.&nbsp;

In a 2011 letter published on the database's website, he said, "I consider my participation in the creation and continued improvement of The Coffelt Database to be one of the proudest parts of my life. I also consider it a singular honor to have known and worked with Richard these last few years. All of us Vietnam veterans owe him a huge debt ..."

Although Coffelt and the others who contributed to the database were offered money to privatize the data, Coffelt and his fellow researchers insisted the database remain a free, open-source of information, Jennings said.

By 2009, Coffelt developed Lewy body dementia. He died on Jan. 25, 2012.

Hays VVA Chapter 939&nbsp;dedicated a plaque at the Hays Regional Airport to honor Coffelt's work in creating the database.

Not only is the Coffelt database still available and in use today. But a story on the database sparked an unlikely friendship between Jennings and a WWII veteran who read a story on the database in a veterans magazine.

Frank Malizia, who was 92 at the time, read that story and recognized Hays as a familiar place. He had been stationed in Great Bend during the war and was familiar with Hays and Ellis County. This led him to contact Jennings.

Read more on Malizia and Jennings' long friendship and correspondents at&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/74f5a4c8-b37b-458a-b1a8-ddb7a744b869">NWester: WWII soldier laid to rest next to 'love of his life' in Antonino</a>.

You can access the Coffelt Database online for free. <a href="https://www.coffeltdatabase.org/">Click here for a link</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740765066874.png" alt="Richard Coffelt Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Richard Coffelt Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post The most extensive database on Vietnam War causalities was the passion of a man from Hays.The late Richard Coffelt, a longtime Hays attorney, spent years and his own money researching and amassing the <a href="https://www.coffeltdatabase.org/">Coffelt Database</a>, which is now available for free through the National Archives.Although others contributed to the database and Coffelt wanted the record source named something more accessible, the database was named in honor of him.Jo Ann Jennings, Coffelt's wife, recounted information about the database during a lecture at the Hays VFW on Feb. 16.Coffelt was a U.S. Army veteran who served during the Korean War. He had no connection with the Vietnam War.However, in 1980, he became acquainted with the mother of&nbsp;Gary Lee Binder of Hays. Gary Binder, who served with the Navy, was killed in action in 1967 in Vietnam, and Coffelt wanted to learn more about the circumstances of Binder's death.Jennings explained this was before the rise of personal computing and Google, which meant hours spent at libraries, especially the&nbsp;Presidential Library of Lyndon Baines Johnson in Austin, Texas. She said she spent many vacations accompanying Richard on research trips, sometimes at his side in study rooms.Johnson sent a letter of condolence to every family of a service member killed in Vietnam during his administration. Those letters included the unit numbers of the service members, which made them valuable in Coffelt's research.Jennings said Richard spent countless hours taking notes on yellow legal pads.Coffelt saw the need to connect soldiers with other soldiers. The men who served wanted to know what had happened to their buddies.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740519068072.png" alt="Richard Coffelt when he was in the service. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Richard Coffelt when he was in the service. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Jennings said Coffelt was interested in working on the research because the federal government didn't keep track of the units the men who were killed in action were from.He said having a unit designation was the most important thing to know if you wanted to know what happened to your friend.“I felt that if I just looked long enough, hard enough, I would hit the mother lode,” Coffelt was quoted as saying in a story published in the February 2012 edition of the VVA Veteran magazine. “I still felt that there had to be some government source that would have all this information. It became kind of a game to try and locate the information in some government repository somewhere.”In 1993-94, after PCs had become commonplace, Tom Holloway (Emory University, Atlanta) changed the landscape by obtaining the Department of Defense's casualty database and the Army Adjutant General's database in digital form, according to the database's website."Using the university's mainframe computers to read the reel-to-reel computer tapes,&nbsp;Holloway integrated the two databases and converted the information into a commonly used small-computer format. The "Holloway Database" effectively became the public's sole source of information regarding all American Vietnam dead," the database website said.The database website said that in the late 1990s, others joined Coffelt's effort, contributing information and collating the collected material into digital form using the Holloway database as a baseline, the database said."The additional resources allowed the project's scope to expand to include units of assignment information for all service branches," according to the database's website. "In 2002, an early version of the Coffelt Database was deeded to the National Archives, which made it available online as a searchable database," the database said.Jennings said Coffelt amassed a library that filled a room floor to ceiling with more than 300 books on Vietnam. She said her husband had read every book.She said her husband had an almost photographic memory of the information. She recalled a person from Australia writing Coffelt, asking him if he might know what happened to his uncle.&nbsp;Without the need to look at any source, Coffelt was able to write him a page of the entire account of the battle in which the man's uncle was killed and what happened in that battle."He had super-detailed information just from his remembrance," Jennings said.A Vietnam veteran who worked on the database with Coffelt spoke at his funeral and said, "Richard knew more about what happened in Vietnam than any soldier that was there, and he wasn't there."Today, the database contains more than 60,000 names and more than 1 million pieces of information. Gary L. Noller, Co. B, 1/46th Infantry, Vietnam 1970-71, called the database a gift to and for Vietnam veterans and their families.He said in a letter on the database, often, the child or grandchild of a Vietnam casualty wishes to contact a veteran who served with their deceased family member.Prior to the Coffelt Database, a search of this kind was often overwhelming. The official record listed casualties by unit at the division or brigade level,&nbsp;Noller said in his letter.Coffelt's research expanded the casualty database to list the company and battalion-level casualties, Noller said."This effectively reduced the search for a veteran from a magnitude of 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 100. It can be said that the Coffelt Database made the search at least 100 times easier to conduct,"&nbsp;Noller said.Vietnam veteran Dick Arnold worked on the database with Coffelt.&nbsp;In a 2011 letter published on the database's website, he said, "I consider my participation in the creation and continued improvement of The Coffelt Database to be one of the proudest parts of my life. I also consider it a singular honor to have known and worked with Richard these last few years. All of us Vietnam veterans owe him a huge debt ..."Although Coffelt and the others who contributed to the database were offered money to privatize the data, Coffelt and his fellow researchers insisted the database remain a free, open-source of information, Jennings said.By 2009, Coffelt developed Lewy body dementia. He died on Jan. 25, 2012.Hays VVA Chapter 939&nbsp;dedicated a plaque at the Hays Regional Airport to honor Coffelt's work in creating the database.Not only is the Coffelt database still available and in use today. But a story on the database sparked an unlikely friendship between Jennings and a WWII veteran who read a story on the database in a veterans magazine.Frank Malizia, who was 92 at the time, read that story and recognized Hays as a familiar place. He had been stationed in Great Bend during the war and was familiar with Hays and Ellis County. This led him to contact Jennings.Read more on Malizia and Jennings' long friendship and correspondents at&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/74f5a4c8-b37b-458a-b1a8-ddb7a744b869">NWester: WWII soldier laid to rest next to 'love of his life' in Antonino</a>.You can access the Coffelt Database online for free. <a href="https://www.coffeltdatabase.org/">Click here for a link</a>.

Coffelt Database on Americans killed in Vietnam was passion of Kan. attorney

NAME:&nbsp;Arellano,Natalia Caridad REQUESTED CHARGE(S):

Theft of prop/services:Value less than $1,500

NAME:&nbsp;Brooks,Anthony Joseph REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation Violation

NAME:&nbsp;Cottrell,Dakota Anthony Keith REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;

Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption

NAME:&nbsp;Delatorre,Victor Vicente REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation Violation

NAME:&nbsp;Hano,Dalan Lukela REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;

Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor

NAME:&nbsp;Helm,Christa Lee REQUESTED CHARGE(S):Driving While Suspended

NAME:&nbsp;Hensley,Michael Rae REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Stalking; Reckless conduct causing fear to person or family

NAME:&nbsp;Oneill,Jennie Othea REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation Violation

NAME: Smith,Stephen Michael REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

Following is recent booking activity for the Saline County Jail, as provided by law enforcement. Photos, if provided, are courtesy of Saline County Jail. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1740839618923.jpeg" alt="Arellano,Natalia Caridad" />
 <figcaption>Arellano,Natalia Caridad</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Arellano,Natalia Caridad REQUESTED CHARGE(S):Probation ViolationFailure to appearTheft of prop/services:Value less than $1,500Outside warrant/NCIC hit<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1740839632610.jpeg" alt="Brooks,Anthony Joseph" />
 <figcaption>Brooks,Anthony Joseph</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Brooks,Anthony Joseph REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1740839644146.jpeg" alt="Cottrell,Dakota Anthony Keith" />
 <figcaption>Cottrell,Dakota Anthony Keith</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Cottrell,Dakota Anthony Keith REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Agg assault; w/ deadly weaponCriminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1740839661754.jpeg" alt="Delatorre,Victor Vicente" />
 <figcaption>Delatorre,Victor Vicente</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Delatorre,Victor Vicente REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1740839695099.jpeg" alt="Hano,Dalan Lukela" />
 <figcaption>Hano,Dalan Lukela</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Hano,Dalan Lukela REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1740839708219.jpeg" alt="Helm,Christa Lee" />
 <figcaption>Helm,Christa Lee</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Helm,Christa Lee REQUESTED CHARGE(S):Driving While Suspended<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1740839772749.jpeg" alt="Hensley,Michael Rae" />
 <figcaption>Hensley,Michael Rae</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Hensley,Michael Rae REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Stalking; Reckless conduct causing fear to person or family<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1740839861772.jpeg" alt="Oneill,Jennie Othea" />
 <figcaption>Oneill,Jennie Othea</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Oneill,Jennie Othea REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1740839891349.jpeg" alt="Smith,Stephen Michael" />
 <figcaption>Smith,Stephen Michael</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME: Smith,Stephen Michael REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

Saline County Jail Bookings, March 1

SALINA, Kan. - The 2025 Night with the Yotes was one for the history books, as event organizers announced Friday that the event raised more than $200,000 for in support of Kansas Wesleyan's student activities. That is the most raised in the 14 years of the event and bests the previous top mark - accomplished last year - by more than 20%.

"This year's Night with the Yotes was a special experience that exceeded all possible expectations," said Ken Oliver, executive vice president of advancement and university operations. "Thank you to all of our supporters, including the sponsors and attendees who participated in Night with the Yotes for the first time. We are thrilled that the mission of Kansas Wesleyan is so well received by so many!"

More than 600 people attended and 75 corporate sponsors supported the evening's proceedings. Continued sound and light upgrades to Sams Chapel, long-term planning for KWU's strength and conditioning areas and general upgrades for Art and Design, Theatre and DECA are among the specific areas supported.

For more information on Kansas Wesleyan University, please visit <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e02df5d1-f603-4ee0-b348-56a3a2e298c0?elinkdata=20538">www.kwu.edu/news</a>.

SALINA, Kan. - The 2025 Night with the Yotes was one for the history books, as event organizers announced Friday that the event raised more than $200,000 for in support of Kansas Wesleyan's student activities. That is the most raised in the 14 years of the event and bests the previous top mark - accomplished last year - by more than 20%."This year's Night with the Yotes was a special experience that exceeded all possible expectations," said Ken Oliver, executive vice president of advancement and university operations. "Thank you to all of our supporters, including the sponsors and attendees who participated in Night with the Yotes for the first time. We are thrilled that the mission of Kansas Wesleyan is so well received by so many!"More than 600 people attended and 75 corporate sponsors supported the evening's proceedings. Continued sound and light upgrades to Sams Chapel, long-term planning for KWU's strength and conditioning areas and general upgrades for Art and Design, Theatre and DECA are among the specific areas supported.For more information on Kansas Wesleyan University, please visit <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e02df5d1-f603-4ee0-b348-56a3a2e298c0?elinkdata=20538">www.kwu.edu/news</a>.

KWU Reaches New Heights with Night with the Yotes Results

A Salina AT&amp;T employee has been arrested following a corporate investigation into suspected theft exceeding $10,000.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD), AT&amp;T corporate investigators contacted authorities on Feb. 20 regarding possible employee theft at the store located at 2596 S. Ninth Street. The investigation determined that Brandon L. Campbell, an employee, had allegedly engaged in fraudulent transactions between March 1, 2023, and Feb. 11, 2025.

According to SPD Capt. James Feldman, Campbell would purchase phones online, bring them to the store, and use another employee’s login credentials to manipulate trade-in values, inflating the amount higher than it should be. He would then allegedly take credit or cash for the price difference.

On Feb. 27, Campbell was taken into custody and booked into the Saline County Jail. He faces charges including one count of felony theft, 31 counts of making a false writing, and unlawful acts concerning computers.

Eric Powers, the new manager of the AT&amp;T store located on S. Ninth Street in Salina, is actively working to resolve issues caused by Campbell’s alleged actions. Powers said he is focused on informing customers about the management change and assisting those affected. If someone feels their service or cellphone plan was impacted by Campbell's actions, please call or stop by the AT&amp;T store at 2596 S 9th St · (785) 914-5157.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740749225158.jpeg" alt=" Campbell,Brandon Lee" />
 <figcaption> Campbell,Brandon Lee</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTA Salina AT&amp;T employee has been arrested following a corporate investigation into suspected theft exceeding $10,000.According to the Salina Police Department (SPD), AT&amp;T corporate investigators contacted authorities on Feb. 20 regarding possible employee theft at the store located at 2596 S. Ninth Street. The investigation determined that Brandon L. Campbell, an employee, had allegedly engaged in fraudulent transactions between March 1, 2023, and Feb. 11, 2025.According to SPD Capt. James Feldman, Campbell would purchase phones online, bring them to the store, and use another employee’s login credentials to manipulate trade-in values, inflating the amount higher than it should be. He would then allegedly take credit or cash for the price difference.On Feb. 27, Campbell was taken into custody and booked into the Saline County Jail. He faces charges including one count of felony theft, 31 counts of making a false writing, and unlawful acts concerning computers.Eric Powers, the new manager of the AT&amp;T store located on S. Ninth Street in Salina, is actively working to resolve issues caused by Campbell’s alleged actions. Powers said he is focused on informing customers about the management change and assisting those affected. If someone feels their service or cellphone plan was impacted by Campbell's actions, please call or stop by the AT&amp;T store at 2596 S 9th St · (785) 914-5157.

UPDATED: Salina AT&T employee arrested in $10K+ theft, fraud investigation

On Thursday, Attorney General Pamela Bondi, in conjunction with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), declassified and publicly released files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his sexual exploitation of over 250 underage girls at his homes in New York and Florida, among other locations, according to a statement from the U.S. Department of Justice.

The first phase of declassified files largely contains documents that have been previously leaked but never released in a formal capacity by the U.S. Government.

“This Department of Justice is following through on President Trump’s commitment to transparency and lifting the veil on the disgusting actions of Jeffrey Epstein and his co-conspirators,”&nbsp;said Attorney General Pamela Bondi.&nbsp;“The first phase of files released today sheds light on Epstein’s extensive network and begins to provide the public with long overdue accountability.” &nbsp;

“The FBI is entering a new era—one that will be defined by integrity, accountability, and the unwavering pursuit of justice,”&nbsp;said FBI Director Kash Patel.&nbsp;“There will be no cover-ups, no missing documents, and no stone left unturned — and anyone from the prior or current Bureau who undermines this will be swiftly pursued. If there are gaps, we will find them. If records have been hidden, we will uncover them. And we will bring everything we find to the DOJ to be fully assessed and transparently disseminated to the American people as it should be. The oath we take is to the Constitution, and under my leadership, that promise will be upheld without compromise.”

Attorney General Bondi requested the full and complete files related to Jeffrey Epstein. In response, the Department received approximately 200 pages of documents, however, the Attorney General was later informed of thousands of pages of documents related to the investigation and indictment of Epstein that were not previously disclosed. The Attorney General has requested the FBI deliver the remaining documents to the Department by 8:00 AM on February 28 and has tasked FBI Director Kash Patel with investigating why the request for all documents was not followed.

The Department remains committed to transparency and intends to release the remaining documents upon review and redaction to protect the identities of Epstein’s victims.&nbsp; Click on the links below.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740682539079.png" alt="Jack Posobiec hold up a binder with a cover titled "The Epstein Files: Phase 1" at the White House, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)" />
 <figcaption>Jack Posobiec hold up a binder with a cover titled "The Epstein Files: Phase 1" at the White House, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)</figcaption>
 </figure>On Thursday, Attorney General Pamela Bondi, in conjunction with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), declassified and publicly released files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his sexual exploitation of over 250 underage girls at his homes in New York and Florida, among other locations, according to a statement from the U.S. Department of Justice.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704330351229.png" alt="Jeffrey Epstein New York Sex Offender Registry" />
 <figcaption>Jeffrey Epstein New York Sex Offender Registry</figcaption>
 </figure>The first phase of declassified files largely contains documents that have been previously leaked but never released in a formal capacity by the U.S. Government.“This Department of Justice is following through on President Trump’s commitment to transparency and lifting the veil on the disgusting actions of Jeffrey Epstein and his co-conspirators,”&nbsp;said Attorney General Pamela Bondi.&nbsp;“The first phase of files released today sheds light on Epstein’s extensive network and begins to provide the public with long overdue accountability.” &nbsp;“The FBI is entering a new era—one that will be defined by integrity, accountability, and the unwavering pursuit of justice,”&nbsp;said FBI Director Kash Patel.&nbsp;“There will be no cover-ups, no missing documents, and no stone left unturned — and anyone from the prior or current Bureau who undermines this will be swiftly pursued. If there are gaps, we will find them. If records have been hidden, we will uncover them. And we will bring everything we find to the DOJ to be fully assessed and transparently disseminated to the American people as it should be. The oath we take is to the Constitution, and under my leadership, that promise will be upheld without compromise.”Attorney General Bondi requested the full and complete files related to Jeffrey Epstein. In response, the Department received approximately 200 pages of documents, however, the Attorney General was later informed of thousands of pages of documents related to the investigation and indictment of Epstein that were not previously disclosed. The Attorney General has requested the FBI deliver the remaining documents to the Department by 8:00 AM on February 28 and has tasked FBI Director Kash Patel with investigating why the request for all documents was not followed.The Department remains committed to transparency and intends to release the remaining documents upon review and redaction to protect the identities of Epstein’s victims.&nbsp; Click on the links below.<ul>
 <li><a href="https://www.justice.gov/ag/media/1391271/dl?inline">A. Evidence List</a></li><li><a href="https://www.justice.gov/ag/media/1391276/dl?inline">B. Flight Log_Released in U.S. v. Maxwell</a></li><li><a href="https://www.justice.gov/ag/media/1391281/dl?inline">B. Flight Log_Released in U.S. v. Maxwell_Part1</a></li><li><a href="https://www.justice.gov/ag/media/1391291/dl?inline">B. Flight Log_Released in U.S. v. Maxwell_Part2</a></li><li><a href="https://www.justice.gov/ag/media/1391296/dl?inline">B. Flight Log_Released in U.S. v. Maxwell_Part3</a></li><li><a href="https://www.justice.gov/ag/media/1391301/dl?inline">B. Flight Log_Released in U.S. v. Maxwell_Part4</a></li><li><a href="https://www.justice.gov/ag/media/1391306/dl?inline">B. Flight Log_Released in U.S. v. Maxwell_Part5</a></li><li><a href="https://www.justice.gov/ag/media/1391311/dl?inline">B. Flight Log_Released in U.S. v. Maxwell_Part6</a></li><li><a href="https://www.justice.gov/ag/media/1391321/dl?inline">C. Contact Book_Redacted</a></li><li><a href="https://www.justice.gov/ag/media/1391326/dl?inline">D. Masseuse List_Redacted</a></li>
 </ul>

Read phase 1 of the Epstein files released by the Dept. of Justice 

Following is recent booking activity for the Saline County Jail, as provided by law enforcement. Photos, if provided, are courtesy of Saline County Jail. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Computer unlawful acts: False represent &lt;$100K

Theft by deception:Value $1,500 to $25,000

&nbsp;NAME:&nbsp;Dean,Gregory Alan REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

Interference with LEO; knowingly flee by means other than motor vehicle for misdemeanor case

REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Outside warrant&nbsp;

Following is recent booking activity for the Saline County Jail, as provided by law enforcement. Photos, if provided, are courtesy of Saline County Jail. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740749157316.jpeg" alt="Bowen,Hunter Matthew " />
 <figcaption>Bowen,Hunter Matthew </figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Bowen,Hunter MatthewREQUESTED CHARGE(S): Probation Violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740749225158.jpeg" alt=" Campbell,Brandon Lee" />
 <figcaption> Campbell,Brandon Lee</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Campbell,Brandon LeeREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Computer unlawful acts: False represent &lt;$100KTheft by deception:Value $1,500 to $25,000<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740749264151.jpeg" alt=" Dean,Gregory Alan" />
 <figcaption> Dean,Gregory Alan</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;NAME:&nbsp;Dean,Gregory Alan REQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740749315551.jpeg" alt=" Hunter,Zachariah John" />
 <figcaption> Hunter,Zachariah John</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Hunter,Zachariah JohnREQUESTED CHARGE(S):&nbsp;Interference with LEO; knowingly flee by means other than motor vehicle for misdemeanor caseImproper use of roadway by pedestrian<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740749433329.jpeg" alt="Griffin,Lance Michael" />
 <figcaption>Griffin,Lance Michael</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Griffin,Lance MichaelREQUESTED CHARGE(S): probation violation<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740749509188.jpeg" alt=" Pennington,Shamar DaJuan" />
 <figcaption> Pennington,Shamar DaJuan</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Pennington,Shamar DaJuanREQUESTED CHARGE(S): Failure to appear<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740749567047.jpeg" alt="Peterson,Michael Gale" />
 <figcaption>Peterson,Michael Gale</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Peterson,Michael Gale&nbsp;REQUESTED CHARGE(S): Outside warrant<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740749745068.jpeg" alt=" Dollar,Donald Beeman" />
 <figcaption> Dollar,Donald Beeman</figcaption>
 </figure>NAME:&nbsp;Dollar,Donald BeemanREQUESTED CHARGE(S): Outside warrant&nbsp;

Saline County Jail Bookings, Feb. 28

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Oscar-winner&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/gene-hackman">Gene Hackman</a>, his wife and one of their dogs were apparently dead for some time before a maintenance worker discovered their bodies at the couple's Santa Fe home, investigators said.

Hackman, 95, was found dead Wednesday in an entryway, and his 65-year-old wife, Betsy Arakawa, was found in a bathroom next to a space heater, Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office detectives wrote in a search warrant affidavit. There was an open prescription bottle and pills scattered on a countertop near Arakawa.

Denise Avila, a sheriff's office spokesperson, said there was no indication they had been shot or had any wounds.

The New Mexico Gas Co. tested the gas lines in and around the home after the bodies were discovered, according to the warrant. At the time, it didn’t find any signs of problems and the Fire Department found no signs of a carbon monoxide leak or poisoning. A detective wrote that there were no obvious signs of a gas leak, but he noted that people exposed to gas leaks or carbon monoxide might not show signs of poisoning.

The gruff but beloved Hackman was among the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gene-hackman-obituary-dies-a76fbe0cd6594393acaeea1c2710706d">most accomplished actors</a>&nbsp;of his generation, appearing as villains, heroes and antiheroes in dozens of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gene-hackman-notable-film-roles-1890bba6ab8e42029365f98dd5715c3a">dramas, comedies and action films</a>&nbsp;from the 1960s until his retirement in the early 2000s.

“He was loved and admired by millions around the world for his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gene-hackman-actor-appreciation-d58ad4491bbe11be4750fe6661947c48">brilliant acting career</a>, but to us he was always just Dad and Grandpa," his daughters and granddaughter said in a statement Thursday. “We will miss him sorely and are devastated by the loss.”

Worker found bodies of Hackman and his wife

According to the search warrant affidavit, a maintenance worker reported that the home’s front door was open when he arrived to do routine work Wednesday, and he called police after finding the bodies.

But in a 911 call, the maintenance worker said he was unable to get inside when the operator asked whether the people in the house were breathing.

“I have no idea,” the subdivision’s caretaker said. “I am not inside the house. It’s closed. It’s locked. I can’t go in. But I can see she’s laying down on the floor from the window.”

He and another worker later told authorities that they rarely saw the homeowners and their last contact with them had been about two weeks ago.

Hackman appeared to have fallen, a deputy observed. A cane was nearby.

A dead German shepherd was found in a bathroom closet near Arakawa, police said. Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza said during a press conference Thursday that the dog was found in a kennel. Two healthy dogs were found on the property — one inside and one outside.

“There was no indication of a struggle," Mendoza said. “There was no indication of anything that was missing from the home or disturbed, you know, that would be indication that there was a crime that had occurred.”

Results of autopsies conducted on both bodies are not available yet, sheriff’s officials said, noting that carbon monoxide and toxicology test results are pending.

The search warrant affidavit suggests that police appear to have a working theory that “some kind of gas poisoning” happened, but that they don't know yet and aren’t ruling anything out, Loyola Marymount University law professor Laurie Levenson said.

“They don’t have clear evidence that it’s any type of homicide, but they’re asking for blunt instruments or other weapons that could be used,” said Levenson, who has no connection to the investigation. “It doesn’t also look like some kind of planned double-suicide.”

William &amp; Mary Law School professor Jeffrey Bellin said the request for a search warrant was somewhat unusual because investigators who file one usually believe a specific crime was committed. In this case, no alleged crime was mentioned, Bellin said.

Police tend to overstate what they know, but this is the opposite, said Bellin, who also isn't tied to the investigation.

“It just struck me as very careful in a way that search warrant affidavits often are not,” he said.

Hackman routinely showed up on Hollywood lists of greatest American actors of the 20th century. He could play virtually any kind of role, from comic book villain Lex Luthor in “Superman” to a coach finding redemption in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gene-hackman-sports-hoosiers-7bcee7d0694f1daee94057ac7ec33430">sentimental favorite “Hoosiers.”</a>

Hackman was a five-time Oscar nominee who won best actor in a leading role for “The French Connection” in 1972 and best actor in a supporting role for “Unforgiven” two decades later. His death comes just four days before this year’s ceremony.

Tributes&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gene-hackman-dies-reaction-tribute-39bdbad1428a2fb9cb61c9e916283816">quickly poured in</a>&nbsp;from Hollywood.

“There was no finer actor than Gene," actor-director Clint Eastwood, Hackman’s “Unforgiven” co-star, said in a statement. “Intense and instinctive. Never a false note. He was also a dear friend whom I will miss very much.”

Hackman met Arakawa, a classically trained pianist who grew up in Hawaii, when she was working part-time at a California gym in the mid-1980s. They soon moved in together and relocated to Santa Fe by the end of the decade.

Their Southwestern-style ranch on Old Sunset Trail sits on a hill in a gated community with views of the Rocky Mountains. The sprawling four-bedroom home on 6 acres (2.4 hectares) was built in 1997 and had an estimated market value of a little over $4 million, according to Santa Fe County property tax records.

Hackman and his wife also owned a more modest home next door.

Hackman also co-wrote three novels, starting with the swashbuckler, “Wake of the Perdido Star,” with Daniel Lenihan in 1999, according to publisher Simon &amp; Schuster. He then penned two by himself, concluding with “Pursuit" in 2013, about a female police officer on the tail of a predator.

In his first couple of decades in New Mexico, Hackman was often seen around the historic state capital, known as an artist enclave, tourism destination and retreat for celebrities.

He served on the board of trustees for the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum from 1997-2004, the museum said in a statement.

In recent years, he was far less visible, though even the most mundane outings caught the attention of the press. There were articles about him attending a show at a performing arts center in 2018, as well as pumping gas, doing yard work and getting a chicken sandwich at Wendy's in 2023.

Aside from appearances at awards shows, he was rarely seen in the Hollywood social circuit and retired from acting about 20 years ago. His was the rare Hollywood retirement that actually lasted.

Hackman had three children from a previous marriage. He and Arakawa had no children together but were known for having German shepherds.

This story was updated to correct Arakawa's age. Authorities initially listed her as 63 years old, but records show she was 65. It was also corrected to show that Hackman spoke to Empire magazine in 2009, not 2020.

Melley reported from London. Associated Press writers Felicia Fonseca in Flagstaff, Arizona; Andrew Dalton in Los Angeles; Jacques Billeaud in Phoenix; Mead Gruver in Cheyenne, Wyoming; John Seewer in Toledo, Ohio; Sylvia Hui in London and Hallie Golden in Seattle contributed.

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Oscar-winner&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/gene-hackman">Gene Hackman</a>, his wife and their dog were found dead in different rooms of their Santa Fe home and had apparently been dead for some time, according to investigators.

Hackman, 95, was found dead Wednesday in a mudroom and his 63-year-old wife, Betsy Arakawa, was found dead in a bathroom next to a space heater, Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office detectives wrote in a search warrant. There was an open prescription bottle and pills scattered on a countertop near Arakawa.

Denise Avila, a sheriff's office spokesperson, said there was no indication that any of them had been shot or had other types of wounds.

The New Mexico Gas Co. is working with the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Department in the investigation, spokesperson Tim Korte told The Associated Press.

The utility tested the gas lines in and around the home after the bodies were discovered, according to the warrant. At the time, it didn't find any signs of problems. A detective noted that people exposed to gas leaks or carbon monoxide may not show signs of poisoning, but also noted there were no obvious signs of a gas leak.

The Associated Press left email and phone messages Thursday for sheriff’s officials seeking more details. A spokesperson for the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, which runs the state’s medical examiner operations, declined to comment on whether the cause and manner of deaths had been determined.

A worker reported that the home's front door was open when he arrived for routine maintenance and that he called police after finding the bodies. Two workers told police that they rarely saw the homeowners and that their last contact with them had been about two weeks earlier.

A dead German shepherd was found in a bathroom closet near Arakawa, police said. Two healthy dogs were found on the property.

The gruff-but-beloved&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gene-hackman-obituary-dies-a76fbe0cd6594393acaeea1c2710706d">Hackman was among the best actors</a>&nbsp;of his generation, appearing as villains, heroes and antiheroes in dozens of dramas, comedies and action films from the 1960s until his retirement in the early 2000s.

He routinely showed up on Hollywood list of greatest American actors of the 20th century. He could play virtually&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gene-hackman-notable-film-roles-1890bba6ab8e42029365f98dd5715c3a">any kind of role</a>, from comic book villain Lex Luthor in “Superman” to a coach finding redemption in the sentimental favorite “Hoosiers.”

Hackman was a five-time Oscar nominee who won for “The French Connection” in 1972 and “Unforgiven” two decades later. His death comes just four days before this year’s ceremony.

“The loss of a great artist, always cause for both mourning and celebration: Gene Hackman a great actor, inspiring and magnificent in his work and complexity," director Francis Ford Coppola posted on Instagram.

Hackman met Arakawa, a classically trained pianist who grew up in Hawaii, when she was working part-time at a California gym in the mid-1980s, the New York Times reported in 1989. They soon moved in together, and by the end of the decade had decamped to Santa Fe.

Their Southwestern-style ranch on Old Sunset Trail sits on a hill in a gated community with views of the Rocky Mountains. The 8,700 square-foot (808 square-meter), four-bedroom home on six acres was built in 1997 and had an estimated market value of a little over $4 million, according to Santa Fe County property tax records.

Hackman and his wife also owned a more modest 2,000 square-foot (186 square-meter) home next door that was built in 2000.

In his first couple decades in New Mexico, Hackman was often seen around the historic state capital, which known as an artist enclave, tourism destination and retreat for celebrities.

He served as a board member of the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in the 1990s, according to the local paper, The New Mexican.

In recent years, he was far less visible, though even the most mundane outings caught the attention of the press. The Independent wrote about him attending a show at the Lensic Performing Arts Center in 2018. The New York Post reported on him pumping gas, doing yard work and getting a chicken sandwich at Wendy's in 2023.

Hackman told the film magazine&nbsp;<a href="https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/gene-hackman-archive-interview-retirement-acting-novels/">Empire</a>&nbsp;in 2020 that he and Arakawa liked to watch DVDs she rented.

"We like simple stories that some of the little low-budget films manage to produce,” he said.

An email sent to his publicist was not immediately returned early Thursday.

LOS ANGELES (AP) —Oscar-winning actor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/gene-hackman">Gene Hackman</a>, his wife and their dog were found dead in their New Mexico home, authorities said Thursday.

Foul play was not suspected, but authorities did not release circumstances of their deaths and said an investigation was ongoing.

Hackman, 95, Betsy Arakawa, 63, and their dog were all dead when deputies entered their home to check on their welfare around 1:45 p.m. Wednesday, Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Denise Avila said.

The gruff-but-beloved&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gene-hackman-obituary-dies-a76fbe0cd6594393acaeea1c2710706d">Hackman was among the finest actors</a>&nbsp;of his generation, appearing as villains, heroes and antiheroes in dozens of dramas, comedies and action films from the 1960s until his retirement in the early 2000s.

He was a five-time Oscar nominee who won for “The French Connection” in 1972 and “Unforgiven” two decades later. His death comes just four days before this year’s ceremony.

Hackman met Arakawa, a classically trained pianist who grew up in Hawaii, when she was working part-time at a California gym in the mid-1980s, the New York Times reported in 1989. They soon moved in together, and by the end of the decade had bought their home in Santa Fe.

The large Southwestern-style ranch in a gated community just outside New Mexico’s capital city sits on a hill with views of the Rocky Mountains.

Hackman was often seen around town and served as a board member of the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in the 1990s, according to the local paper, The New Mexican.

Aside from appearances at awards shows, he was rarely seen in the Hollywood social circuit and retired about 20 years ago. His was the rare Hollywood retirement that actually lasted.

Hackman had three children from a previous marriage, but he and Arakawa had no children together. In 1999 they had adopted three German shepherds, according to the Baltimore Sun.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Gene Hackman, the prolific Oscar-winning actor whose studied portraits ranged from reluctant heroes to conniving villains and made him one of the industry’s most respected and honored performers, has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gene-hackman-found-dead-f6c106e92987aeaaab7b35c1b956a5c8">found dead</a>&nbsp;along with his wife at their home. He was 95.