These 7 Topeka homicides in 2023 are unsolved. No arrests have been made in 5 others

Seven homicides in Topeka this year remain unsolved. Each of those victims were shot to death.

The Topeka Police Department late last week made a public plea on its Facebook page for information that will help it solve those cases.

"Help us spread the word," that post said.

Police asked residents to submit anonymous tips through Shawnee County Crime Stoppers or to email Topeka police investigators at telltpd@topeka.org.

What sets this year apart from others in terms of homicides?

The request for tips comes at a time when Topeka recently surpassed its previous all-time high by recording its 32nd homicide this year. The previous high was 30, recorded in 2017.

Twenty-four of this year's 32nd homicide victims were shot, according to police.

Here are the seven victims of homicides that remain unsolved, according to Rosie Nichols, public safety communications specialist for Topeka's city government.

Trevon Praylow

Trevon Praylow, 35, was found fatally shot early Monday morning in the 1600 block of S.W. Fillmore, Nichols said. Police put up yellow crime scene tape around the area of a house at 1605 S.W. Fillmore.

A second person was found at the scene suffering from gunshot wounds that weren't life-threatening, Nichols said.

Praylow survived in 2016 after being shot in the back, also in the 1600 block of S.W. Fillmore.

Jackson E. 'Jack' Danner

Jackson E. "Jack" Danner, 23, of Topeka, was found fatally shot shortly after 9:30 a.m. Oct. 15 in the 1600 block of S.W. 21st, Nichols said.

Danner was found lying in a front yard, she said.

The shooting scene was just south of Washburn University, in a block where all houses present are on the south side of the street.

Damayah R. Calhoun

Damayah R. Calhoun, 17, of Topeka, was pronounced deceased after being dropped off shortly before 1:30 a.m. Oct. 13 at a Topeka hospital, said police Capt. Jerry Monasmith.

She had been fatally shot.

Investigators identified the crime scene as being in the 600 block of S.E. Lawrence, Nichols said.

Ra'Juan Spicer

Police were called just before 5:45 p.m. Oct. 11 to the 1200 block of S.W. Clay, Nichols said.

Shooting victim Ra'Juan Spicer, 18, of Topeka, was pronounced deceased at the scene, she said.

Alonzoe K. Smith

Two-month-old Alonzoe K. Smith was fatally shot July 14 at an apartment complex in the 1000 block of S.W. Mulvane, Nichols said.

A male relative being sought for questioning in the case was taken into custody outside Kansas on charges not related to Alonzoe's death, she said.

However, the Topeka Police Department's investigation of the death remains ongoing, she said.

Xavion E. Phannix

Police were called at 12:14 a.m. June 30 to the 2600 block of S.E. Gilmore Court, from which three people suffering from gunshot wounds were taken to a Topeka hospital, said police Lt. Donna Eubanks.

Two survived, she said.

But Xavion E. Phannix, 20, of Topeka, was pronounced dead at that hospital, Eubanks said.

Shawn A. Carter

Police were called shortly before 9 a.m. Jan. 8 to the 1300 block of S.E. Madison, where they found Shawn A. Carter, 45, Eubanks said.

Carter was pronounced dead at the scene, she said. He had been shot.

Carter's nickname was "Heavy," according to his Facebook page.

No arrests have also been made in these other 5 homicides in Topeka

The homicide death of Deaundreya D. Caraway, 38, who was found fatally shot March 26 in the 1500 block of S.E. Quincy, has been ruled a case of self-defense, Shawnee County District Attorney Mike Kagay said Wednesday.

Nichols said police were "working on a case" to send to Kagay's office "for charging considerations" regarding the fatal shooting of Aaron P. Mathis Jr., 16, who died April 26 after being found April 7 in the 3500 block of S.W. Kerry Avenue.

Nichols said police were also awaiting rulings from Kagay's office as to whether charges will be filed relating to reports they sent him regarding:

• The death in March of Gregorio Castillo, 68, linked to an alleged "road rage" incident.

• The June 15 death of Anthony L. Marshall III, 30, who was shot in the 4100 block of S.W. Twilight Drive. That homicide may have been justifiable, Eubanks said in June.

• The Sept. 7 death of Hevair Loucious, 31, in the 3300 block of S.E. Emerson. Self-defense may have been involved in that death, Eubanks said.

Contact Tim Hrenchir at threnchir@gannett.com or 785-213-5934.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: 7 Topeka homicides from 2023 are unsolved. No arrests made in 5 others