By This Is Topeka News Staff
TOPEKA, Kan. — A recent Seaman High School graduate and former varsity football player has been arrested in connection with the July killing of 28-year-old Navy veteran Destiny “Dustin” Voss, Topeka’s ninth homicide of 2025.
Arrest and Charges
On October 14, Topeka police arrested Aaron Kelmetrius Hurla, 18, for his alleged role in the fatal shooting of Voss during an attempted robbery in southwest Topeka.
According to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections, Hurla faces multiple felony charges, including:
- First-degree murder in the commission of a felony
- Aggravated robbery while armed with a dangerous weapon
- Two counts of criminal discharge of a firearm at an occupied vehicle — one resulting in bodily harm
- Distribution of certain depressants
Hurla was booked into the Shawnee County Jail without bond. His arrest follows a months-long investigation by the Topeka Police Department and the Shawnee County District Attorney’s Office.
A Promising Athlete Turned Defendant
Hurla, who graduated from Seaman High School earlier this year, was known locally for his time on the school’s football team, where he appeared in varsity games through the 2022–2023 seasons. Game records show Hurla played defensive positions and was featured on the Seaman Vikings roster as recently as fall 2022.
His sudden shift from athlete to murder suspect has stunned many who remember him as a student-athlete and teammate. As of Tuesday, court records show no bond has been set and no attorney of record listed for Hurla.
Connection to the Death of Destiny “Dustin” Voss
Police say the fatal shooting occurred around 11:30 p.m. on July 6, 2025, in the 3200 block of S.W. Randolph Avenue. Voss, who was shot during what investigators describe as an attempted robbery, was taken to a local hospital but later died of his injuries.
Gunfire from that night also struck two nearby homes and a vehicle.
Second Suspect Remains in Custody
Hurla’s arrest comes just over two months after police charged another Topeka teen, Avant Allen Chambers, 18, with multiple felonies tied to the same incident.
Chambers faces charges of first-degree murder, attempted aggravated robbery, and several counts of criminal discharge of a firearm, as well as drug distribution and unlawful use of a communication facility. He remains held on a $1 million bond and is scheduled to appear in court on November 24.
About the Victim
The victim, Destiny “Dustin” C. Voss, was a U.S. Navy veteran, husband, and father of three. He was laid to rest with full military honors at Leavenworth National Cemetery on July 16.
Known for his humor and generosity, Voss worked in private security after his military service and was remembered by family and friends as a protector, both in uniform and at home.
Ongoing Investigation
The Topeka Police Department continues to investigate and urges anyone with information to contact detectives at 785-368-9400 or email [email protected]. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Shawnee County Crime Stoppers at 785-234-0007 or online at p3tips.com/128.
