Crime
32-year-old Jessie Grahnert killed in Topeka shooting
Topeka, KS — Authorities have identified 32-year-old Jessie L. Grahnert of Topeka as the woman who was fatally shot Sunday evening in the 2000 block of North Kansas Avenue.
Officers responded to the scene just after 8:30 p.m. following reports of gunfire.
Upon arrival, they found Grahnert, who was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Rosie Nichols, public safety communications specialist for the City of Topeka.
No arrests have been made in connection with Grahnert’s death, and police have yet to release details about potential suspects or motives. The investigation is ongoing, said Nichols.
Topeka Police Lt. Donna Eubanks emphasized the importance of public cooperation in solving the case. “If you have any information about this tragic incident, we urge you to come forward,” she said.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Topeka Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Bureau at 785-368-9400 or email telltpd@topeka.org. For those who wish to remain anonymous, tips can be submitted through Shawnee County Crime Stoppers at 785-234-0007 or via their online platform.
Grahnert’s death marks the 19th homicide in Topeka this year, highlighting an ongoing issue of violence in the city. Community leaders are calling for heightened vigilance and cooperation to address the rising crime rate.
As the investigation continues, friends and family of Jessie Grahnert mourn her untimely death, remembering her as part of the Topeka community whose life was tragically cut short. Police are determined to bring closure to her loved ones by identifying those responsible.
Residents are urged to remain alert and report any suspicious activity as authorities work to ensure justice is served.
Crime
4 Killed in Eden Crash at Carroll and Church Streets, Driver and Victims Identified
Michael Vernon, driver of dump truck involved charged.
A tragic crash in Eden, North Carolina, has left four people dead and several others injured following a multi-vehicle incident involving a dump truck and a utility work crew.
The Eden Police Department confirmed the incident occurred Thursday afternoon at approximately 1:30 p.m. at the intersection of Church Street, Carroll Street, and Park Road.
According to a news release from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP), 66-year-old Michael Ray Vernon of Eden was operating a 2016 Hino dump truck owned by the City of Eden.
While traveling northbound on Carroll Street, Vernon failed to stop at a posted stop sign at the intersection with Church Street.
The dump truck proceeded through the intersection, striking six pedestrians—utility workers contracted through Carolina Power and Signalization—who were performing powerline work in the area.
The dump truck continued traveling north after striking the pedestrians, colliding with an occupied bucket truck before veering off the road and crashing into a ditch.
Emergency responders from multiple agencies arrived at the scene within minutes. Four of the six pedestrians were pronounced dead at the scene.
The deceased have been identified as:
- Douglas Garland Sides, 72, of Summerfield
- Madison Carter, 42, of Sandy Ridge
- William Evans, 35, of Randleman
- Matthew Lockwood, 30, of Winston-Salem
The two surviving pedestrians sustained life-threatening injuries and were airlifted to medical facilities.
They have been identified as:
- Hunter Carter, 24, of Reidsville – transported to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Hospital in critical condition
- Kevin Alexander, 34, of Eden – airlifted in stable condition
Cody Rich, 31, of Reidsville, who was inside the bucket truck at the time of the crash, was transported by ground to UNC Health Rockingham with non-life-threatening injuries.
Michael Vernon sustained minor injuries and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
He has been charged with a stop sign violation and misdemeanor death by motor vehicle.
Investigators confirmed that impairment is not believed to have played a role in the crash.
Further charges may be considered as the investigation progresses.
The intersection remained closed for several hours as law enforcement officers and emergency crews conducted their investigation.
The area was reopened to traffic at approximately 10:30 p.m.
In a statement, Duke Energy, which works in coordination with Carolina Power and Signalization, expressed condolences:
“We are saddened about the tragic event that happened today, and our hearts go out to the families and teammates of those involved. The safety of our employees, contractors, and customers is the highest priority at Duke Energy. We are working closely with law enforcement officials.”
The NCSHP continues to lead the investigation, and anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact local authorities.