Crime
Unconfirmed reports of shooting near Southern University Homecoming festival
Authorities are currently investigating the shooting incident and gathering further information.
Multiple reports have emerged of a shooting incident that occurred during the homecoming celebration at Southern University. Witnesses at the scene described hearing gunshots and seeing individuals fleeing the area.
One witness, located in the Swan parking lot, reported seeing a man being shot in the head, back, and other parts of his body.
The witness also described hearing sounds that resembled fireworks.
Several cars parked in front of the witness’s vehicle sustained bullet holes.
The chaotic scene prompted people to quickly leave the area, with cars turning and driving away to avoid danger.
Authorities are currently investigating the shooting incident and gathering further information.
Crime
23-Year-Old Gannon Reece Killed in Cherokee County Shooting, Brother Joshua Wilson Arrested
CHEROKEE COUNTY, Kan. โ A 23-year-old man from Riverton has died following a shooting at a rural property in Cherokee County, Kansas, and his 19-year-old brother has been booked into jail on a second-degree murder allegation, according to information released by authorities.
The victim was identified as Gannon Reece, 23, of Riverton, Kansas. The suspect was identified as Joshua Wilson, 19, also of Riverton, who is the victimโs brother.
According to the Cherokee County Sheriffโs Office, Wilson was booked into the Cherokee County Jail on suspicion of second-degree murder. Formal charges are expected to be submitted to the Cherokee County Attorneyโs Office.
Authorities said the Cherokee County Emergency Communication Center received a 911 call on October 23, 2026, reporting that a person had been shot at 4971 SE 67th, in a rural area of Cherokee County.
Deputies were dispatched to the location to investigate the reported shooting.
When deputies arrived, they found a man suffering from gunshot wounds. Cherokee County Emergency Medical Services personnel examined the victim and determined that he had died.
The suspect, who authorities later identified as Joshua Wilson, was still at the scene when deputies arrived. Officers immediately detained him as the investigation began.
Authorities subsequently identified the deceased man as Gannon Reece and confirmed that Wilson was his younger brother.
Wilson was booked into the Cherokee County Jail in connection with Reeceโs death on suspicion of second-degree murder.
According to the information provided by authorities, formal charges will be submitted to the Cherokee County Attorneyโs Office. The available information does not specify whether prosecutors have formally filed the charges in court or whether Wilson has appeared before a judge.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to establish the circumstances that led to the shooting.
No details have been released about what preceded the incident, whether an argument occurred, or what may have motivated the shooting. Authorities have not provided information about a possible firearm recovery or any other evidence beyond the initial circumstances described in the report.
The Cherokee County Sheriffโs Office is leading the investigation with assistance from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Cherokee County Attorneyโs Office.
Investigators are working to determine the full circumstances surrounding Reeceโs death and gather evidence relevant to the case.
Authorities have stated that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Officials also announced a temporary road closure affecting SE Lostine between Highway 69A and SE 60th.
Motorists were advised to use alternate routes until further notice while the closure remained in effect. The information provided did not specify when the roadway would reopen.
Drivers traveling through the area were encouraged to follow local traffic instructions and allow additional time for their journeys.
The fatal shooting has resulted in the death of a young Riverton resident and the arrest of his 19-year-old brother.
While authorities have identified both men and disclosed the booking allegation, several details remain unknown, including the events leading up to the shooting and the formal status of the prosecution.
The Cherokee County Sheriffโs Office, Kansas Bureau of Investigation, and Cherokee County Attorneyโs Office are continuing to investigate.
Joshua Wilson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
