In the early afternoon of Monday, April 13, 2026, tragedy struck a mobile home park in southeast Topeka, Kansas, resulting in the death of 22-year-old Devin David-Lee Hoadley. The Topeka Police Department received reports of a shooting at approximately 1:13 p.m. and responded to the 200 block of S.E. 29th Street. Upon arrival, officers discovered Hoadley with a life-threatening gunshot wound.
Emergency medical personnel from the American Medical Response team quickly transported Hoadley
to a local hospital in critical condition. Despite the efforts of medical staff, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead shortly before 6 p.m. that evening. Hoadley's death has been recorded as the third homicide in Topeka for the year 2025.
The Topeka Police Department is actively investigating the fatal shooting and has identified a person of interest in the case. Authorities are searching for 19-year-old Tayvian Smith and are asking for the public's help in locating him. As of the latest reports, Smith remains at large, and no arrests have been made in connection with Hoadley's death.
Law enforcement has not yet released a motive for the shooting. The investigation is ongoing, and detectives are continuing to gather evidence and interview witnesses. Officials are encouraging anyone with information regarding the shooting or the whereabouts of Tayvian Smith to contact the Topeka Police Department or Shawnee County Crime Stoppers.
