In the early hours of February 22, 2024, the life of 26-year-old Audreanna Ohshay Marie Hidalgo, a Black/African American woman, was tragically cut short in her own home. Wichita police responded to a shooting call at the Garden Pines Apartments shortly before 2 a.m. and discovered Hidalgo with a fatal gunshot wound. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Known for her compassionate nature, Hidalgo worked as a caregiver, dedicating herself to the well-being of the elderly and children.
Her friends and family remember her for her vibrant personality, her love for cooking, dancing, and music, and an infectious smile that could uplift those around her.
The investigation into Hidalgo's death quickly pointed to a case of intimate partner violence. Authorities identified her 38-year-old boyfriend, Dennis Leroy Alcox, as the primary suspect. Investigators tracked Alcox to Junction City, about a two-hour drive from Wichita, where he was arrested later that same morning. At the time of the incident, Alcox was on pre-trial supervision for an aggravated battery charge. Further investigation revealed a troubled relationship between Hidalgo and Alcox. A friend of Hidalgo's told police the couple was constantly arguing and that Hidalgo had tried to end the relationship, but Alcox "would not allow it." In the days leading up to the shooting, the two were engaged in a heated text message argument. On the night of her death, Alcox drove from Junction City to Hidalgo's apartment and shot her before returning to Junction City and cutting off his electronic monitoring bracelet.
Dennis Leroy Alcox was initially charged with first-degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon. In October, he pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of voluntary manslaughter as part of a plea deal with prosecutors. He also pleaded guilty to an offender registration violation. On December 16, 2024, a Sedgwick County District Judge sentenced Alcox to 30 years and four months in prison for the killing of Audreanna Hidalgo.
