Topeka, KS – April 7, 2025
A staff member at the Topeka Rescue Mission (TRM) was critically injured in a violent attack that occurred outside the organization’s men’s shelter on Friday night, April 4, 2025. The incident took place at approximately 11 p.m. near 600 N. Kansas Avenue, according to the Topeka Police Department.
In a statement released by TRM on April 7, CEO La Manda Cunningham confirmed the employee was hospitalized and remains in critical but stable condition. The staff member’s identity has not been released out of respect for their privacy.
“Our entire TRM team is devastated by this event,” said Cunningham. “Each of our employees is precious to our team and our mission, so when one of us is injured in any way, it has a significant and far-reaching impact.”
Cunningham added that TRM is “working closely with and fully cooperating with the Topeka Police Department” and is providing spiritual and emotional support to employees, the injured staff member’s family, and guests staying at the shelter.
The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that 25-year-old Xavian M. Locke was arrested at the scene and is being held on charges including attempted first-degree murder, kidnapping, and aggravated battery. He is currently detained in the Shawnee County Jail on a $1 million bond.
TRM emphasized its commitment to employee safety and called for prayers for all involved, including the suspect.
“We will be working closely with authorities to understand this event while also praying for the suspect who was apprehended immediately,” Cunningham said in the news release, which was made available to local media and shared publicly via TRM’s official channels.
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