Topeka family eager for closure in unsolved 2021 murder

Matthew Self
·2 min read
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TOPEKA (KSNT) – Three years have passed since Michael Stringfield was shot and killed on Topeka’s streets. His family is still waiting for answers.

Michael’s life was taken in a shooting in south Topeka back in 2021. Officers with the Topeka Police Department (TPD) responded around 11:30 p.m. on Feb. 15 to the 3700 block of SW Plaza Drive to a report of a shooting. Police arrived to found a man, later identified as Michael, suffering from a gunshot wound. He died at the scene.

Now, in 2024, City of Topeka spokeswoman Rosie Nichols confirms there are no new updates in the investigation of Michael’s death. He was one of the 14 homicide investigations launched in 2021, which marked a five-year low for homicides in the Capital City, according to the TPD’s year-end report.

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Though three years have passed, Michael’s family is still holding out hope they’ll find answers and achieve closure. They plan to hold a celebration of life for Michael at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 17 at Gage Park to honor his memory. KSNT 27 News spoke with Marcus Stringfield, Michael’s brother, about how this has impacted his family at the three-year mark.

“It doesn’t change,” Marcus said. “I honestly think that its harder. It effects me every day. My mother sits at the window hoping my brother will come walking across the parking lot. Every morning she looks out this window for him.”

Marcus said he hopes that by continuing to raise awareness in the Topeka community, a new lead will eventually come to light that will help police solve the case. In the meantime, his family is focusing on remembering who Michael was before his death.

“Its hard knowing somebody is living their life and my brother isn’t here,” Marcus said. “Somebody has to know something.”

Nichols said police are still investigating Michael’s death and are open to receiving tips from people who may have information to share about the case. You can send tips to telltpd@topeka.org or 785-368-9400. You can also make anonymous tips to Shawnee County Crime Stoppers by calling 785-234-0007 or by clicking here.

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