Crime
Suspect fatally shot by Wichita police after pursuit and armed standoff outside Spirit AeroSystems
During the livestream, he mentioned Spirit AeroSystems as a potential location.
WICHITA, KS – A man identified as Devario Edwards was fatally shot late Wednesday night following an officer-involved shooting in the 3900 block of South Oliver Street, outside the Spirit AeroSystems facility.
The incident involved multiple law enforcement officers from the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office and the Wichita Police Department.
According to authorities, the events began around 9 p.m. when Edwards allegedly arrived at a residence and attempted to shoot an acquaintance.
However, the firearm malfunctioned, and no shots were fired. Edwards then fled the scene in his vehicle, prompting law enforcement to initiate efforts to locate him based on information provided by the intended victim.
Investigators determined that Edwards had gone live on Facebook, making alarming statements, including threats that he intended to provoke a deadly confrontation with police.
During the livestream, he mentioned Spirit AeroSystems as a potential location.
Utilizing advanced technology, a license plate reader detected Edwards’ vehicle as it approached the Spirit AeroSystems facility. Deputies attempted to initiate a traffic stop, leading to a high-speed pursuit.
Edwards eventually stopped in the parking lot of the facility, where he exited his vehicle and fired approximately 20 rounds from a rifle, striking two sheriff’s deputy vehicles.
In response, law enforcement officers from both the Wichita Police Department and the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office returned fire, striking Edwards multiple times. He was pronounced dead at approximately 1 a.m.
Wichita Police Department spokesperson Andrew Ford emphasized the critical role of social media monitoring in law enforcement operations.
“It was crucial that officers were able to obtain real-time intelligence from the suspect’s social media activity. His Facebook Live provided vital information, allowing responding officers to understand the threat level and prepare accordingly,” Ford said.
A total of eight law enforcement officers—five from the Wichita Police Department and three from the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office—discharged their firearms during the encounter. No officers were injured in the exchange of gunfire.
The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) has taken over the investigation, as is standard protocol for officer-involved shootings involving multiple law enforcement agencies.
Authorities have not disclosed additional details regarding Edwards’ motivations or further background information at this time.
Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact the Kansas Bureau of Investigation or Crime Stoppers at (316) 267-2111.
Crime
Elgin Public Schools Teacher Holly Hill Dies From Complications Two Years After Drinking Poisoned Margarita
ELGIN, Okla. — The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) has launched a formal investigation into the death of Holly Hill, a 30-year-old teacher, wife, and mother from Elgin, Oklahoma, who died last week from long-term medical complications reportedly caused by ingesting a poisoned margarita at a local restaurant in 2023.
OSBI officials confirmed that the investigation began at the request of Comanche County District Attorney Kyle Cabelka following Hill’s death on Thursday.
According to Hill’s family, her health issues began on Valentine’s Day 2023, when she dined at Hacienda Las Margaritas Bar & Grill in Elgin.
During the evening, Hill ordered a second margarita that, unbeknownst to her, contained a highly caustic industrial cleaning chemical rather than the intended cocktail ingredients.
“Her mouth was on fire, and she knew something wasn’t right,” recalled Kelly Hunter, Hill’s mother. “She immediately jumped up and ran to the bathroom, started throwing up, and rinsing her mouth out with water.”
The ingestion caused severe internal burns to Hill’s esophagus and digestive tract, leading to two years of intense medical treatment.
Hill underwent more than 60 medical procedures, including repeated esophageal dilations and surgeries, as doctors attempted to repair the extensive damage.
Despite her deteriorating health, Hill continued teaching at Elgin Public Schools, where she was described as a dedicated educator loved by her students and colleagues.
In the days leading up to her death, Hill’s family believed she was finally recovering.
On October 17, doctors reportedly told them that her esophagus appeared to be healing. However, her condition suddenly worsened, and she went into cardiac arrest as medical staff prepared to transfer her. “As they were trying to get her ready to transport her, they lost her pulse,” Hunter said.
Hill’s family previously filed a civil lawsuit against Hacienda Las Margaritas, which was settled confidentially earlier this year, according to their attorney.
Following her death, the family is renewing calls for accountability and public awareness.
“The number one thing we really want at this point is for people to be aware of what happened at that restaurant and to quit supporting them,” Hunter said. “We want them to be held accountable for taking my daughter’s life. It might have been a long fight, but ultimately, they are the cause.”
The restaurant has not issued a recent public statement regarding Hill’s death. In a 2023 social media post, management wrote:
“We have never walked away from responsibility and will continue to support them in any way possible while our insurance company is on the case.”
Local officials confirmed that Elgin Police requested assistance from OSBI, and investigators are now reviewing evidence related to the original 2023 incident and Hill’s recent death.
In a statement, Elgin Public Schools expressed deep sorrow over Hill’s passing, describing her as “an Owl through and through” and asking the community to keep her family in their thoughts and prayers.
Hill leaves behind her husband and young child, as well as a community still reeling from a tragedy that began with what should have been an ordinary night out.