Crime
Victim killed in Lafayette Maytag Laundromat shooting identified as 35-year-old Keith Ford
Renee Martin, 32, and Salvador Antonio De La Cruz Reyes, 30, were transported to a local hospital and are reported to be in stable condition.
Authorities have released additional information regarding a fatal shooting that occurred at a Lafayette laundromat on Thursday evening, December 5, 2024.
The shooting took place at approximately 7:40 p.m. at the Lafayette Laundromat, formerly known as Maytag Laundromat, located at 3100 South Street.
Upon arriving at the scene, officers discovered a man lying in the parking lot with critical injuries.
He was transported to IU Arnett Hospital, where he later succumbed to his wounds.
The Tippecanoe County Coroner, Carrie Costello, identified the deceased as 35-year-old Keith Ford.
Inside the laundromat, officers found three more individuals suffering from gunshot wounds:
- Renee Martin, 32, and Salvador Antonio De La Cruz Reyes, 30, were transported to a local hospital and are reported to be in stable condition.
- The alleged shooter, whose identity has not yet been disclosed, sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound and remains in critical condition.
The Lafayette Police Department (LPD) has confirmed that the suspected shooter is a man from Lincoln, Nebraska.
Investigators are collaborating with the Lincoln Police Department to gather more information about his background and potential motives.
The circumstances leading up to the shooting are still under investigation. Authorities have not indicated whether the victims and suspect knew each other or what prompted the violence.
This tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the local community.
Police are urging anyone with additional information to come forward by contacting the Lafayette Police Department or submitting anonymous tips through the department’s hotline.
Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
Crime
Jesse James West, 36, Dies After Being Shot by Kansas City, Kansas, Police Officer During Disturbance Response
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — A family’s request for help ended in tragedy Friday evening, November 6, 2026, when 36-year-old Jesse James West died after being shot by a police officer responding to a reported disturbance at a residence in Kansas City, Kansas.
The incident occurred in the 6500 block of Kansas Avenue, where officers were dispatched following a call from a woman who reported that a relative was behaving erratically inside a vehicle parked in the driveway. What began as a request for assistance became a fatal encounter that has left West’s loved ones grieving and raised difficult questions as investigators work to establish exactly what happened.
According to information released by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), officers were dispatched at approximately 7:35 p.m. Two Kansas City, Kansas, police officers arrived at the residence around 7:50 p.m. and approached an SUV parked in the driveway.
Inside the vehicle, officers encountered West. One officer reportedly observed that he had a firearm.
The officers initially moved away from the SUV and instructed West to exit the vehicle with his hands raised. They later approached again and repeated their commands.
At approximately 7:56 p.m., as officers approached the SUV, one officer fired a single round, striking West. According to the KBI’s preliminary account, West was standing just outside the vehicle’s door when he was shot.
Officers immediately began providing life-saving medical assistance while waiting for emergency medical personnel to arrive.
West was transported to The University of Kansas Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries.
No officers were reported injured during the incident. Investigators also said they located what they believe were components of a rifle at the scene.
The Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department requested assistance from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation at approximately 8:25 p.m. The KBI is conducting an independent investigation into the officer-involved shooting.
Once the investigation is complete, the findings are expected to be submitted to the Wyandotte County District Attorney’s Office for review.
Authorities have not released further conclusions about the circumstances leading to the shooting. The investigation is ongoing, and the findings will help determine the full sequence of events.
Jesse James West was 36 years old. His death has left family members and loved ones facing a painful loss following an incident that began with a call for assistance.
The circumstances surrounding the encounter remain under investigation, and many questions may not be answered until investigators complete their review.
As his family mourns, thoughts are with everyone who knew and loved West. Losing someone unexpectedly is devastating, and the pain can be especially difficult when the circumstances remain unclear.
Our deepest condolences go out to Jesse James West’s family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time. May they find strength, support, and comfort as they grieve.
May Jesse James West rest in peace.