On the evening of June 6, 2024, in Rapid City, South Dakota, 18-year-old Wanbli Taylor Janis was fatally shot in what has been described as an altercation between two groups of people. The incident occurred in the Legacy Commons area of Memorial Park. Law enforcement responded to a call at approximately 10:00 p.m. and found Wanbli Taylor Janis with gunshot wounds.
Emergency first aid was administered at the scene by police officers until medical personnel arrived and transported him to
Monument Health Hospital. Despite the efforts to save him, he was pronounced deceased at the hospital. Witnesses at the scene reported seeing several groups of people fleeing the area immediately following the shooting. Investigators do not believe the shooting was a random act and have stated that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
In the course of their investigation, the Rapid City Police Department has identified two juvenile persons of interest. Authorities are currently searching for 16-year-old Louis Gallego and 16-year-old Teldon Kills Small in connection with the homicide. The police have requested public assistance in locating these individuals and have asked for anyone with information to come forward.
Wanbli Taylor Janis was born on April 13, 2006, in Rapid City. He was raised by his grandparents and attended North Middle School and later Central High School. He had been working a summer job in Custer for the past several years and was in the process of obtaining his GED. Those who knew him described him as a kind, gentle, and free-spirited young man who enjoyed cooking and listening to music.
