Man shot, killed during Father’s Day barbecue in north Wichita, suspect arrested
An argument at a Father’s Day barbecue in north Wichita turned deadly when a 28-year-old man was shot, officials say.
Aaron Lara was taken to a hospital, where he died from his injuries, Wichita police spokesperson Andrew Ford said.
A 33-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder in connection with the shooting, Ford added.
Wichita police responded to a disturbance call at 8:35 p.m. Sunday in the 1900 block of N . Jackson St. The 911 dispatcher taking the call heard gunfire in the background, which prompted officers to head to the location.
Authorities found Lara with multiple gunshot wounds. He was rushed to the hospital and died at 10:26 p.m. A 22-year-old man was shot in the arm and was in stable condition at the hospital.
During the Father’s Day barbecue, Lara and the 33-year-old man had an argument. The suspect went home, got a rifle, returned and shot Lara, who was unarmed, according to Ford.
Two men accompanying Lara returned fire, resulting in the 22-year-old man being shot in the arm, Ford said.
“The identities of these individuals are currently under investigation as we seek their information and involvement,” a WPD news release said.
Officers recovered a gun used in the shooting from a nearby residence and collected 26 shell casings from homes and vehicles “indicating the extent of the gunfire exchange,” the release added.
This is at least the city’s 23rd homicide of the year, according to reports from police. There were 14 at this time last year.
The shooting remains under investigation and anyone with information is encouraged to call WPD detectives at 316-268-4407 or Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111.
