On the evening of April 17, 2025, a physical altercation in the parking lot of the Frontier Motel on South Broadway in Wichita, Kansas, ended in the tragic death of 33-year-old Eric Lopez-Morales, a Hispanic male. Wichita police officers were in the vicinity on an unrelated matter at 9:47 p.m. when they heard the sound of gunshots. Responding to the scene, they discovered Lopez-Morales in front of the motel with a gunshot wound to his upper torso.
Despite the immediate life-saving efforts of the first responders, he was pronounced deceased at 10:04 p.m.
The investigation into the homicide quickly pointed to a dispute that preceded the fatal shooting. Preliminary findings indicated that Lopez-Morales, who had been staying at the motel, was involved in a physical fight with unknown males just before he was shot. The incident was the city's sixth homicide of the year. Authorities began a search for those involved and reached out to the public for any information that could lead to an arrest, encouraging anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers.
In the days following the shooting, the Wichita Police Department identified a suspect in connection with the death of Eric Lopez-Morales. Law enforcement sought public assistance in locating 34-year-old Craig C. Steele for questioning, believing he might have pertinent information regarding the case. Shortly after this public appeal, police reported that Steele was in custody. He is now facing a preliminary hearing in court for his alleged involvement in the motel killing.
Those who knew Eric Lopez-Morales remembered him for his playful spirit and kind heart, noting his goofy sense of humor and laid-back nature that put people at ease. He was a father to three children. His family, including his parents, sister, and many nieces and nephews, held a private memorial to honor his memory.
