TOPEKA, Kan. — Authorities have identified the victim in a fatal shooting earlier this week as 22-year-old Devin David-Lee Hoadley of Topeka, marking the city’s third homicide of 2026.
Officers with the Topeka Police Department responded around 1:13 p.m. Monday to reports of a shooting at a mobile home park located at 245 S.E. 29th Street in southeast Topeka.
Upon arrival, officers found an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported by American Medical Response (AMR) to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. The victim, later identified as Hoadley, was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Police say the investigation remains active and ongoing.
Detectives have identified a person of interest in the case as 19-year-old Tayvian Smith, who remained at large as of Wednesday afternoon. Authorities are asking for the public’s assistance in locating him.
According to a statement released by police, anyone with information regarding Smith’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Topeka Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Bureau or submit an anonymous tip through Shawnee County Crime Stoppers.
No additional details about the circumstances leading up to the shooting have been released.
This is a developing story.
