In the early hours of Sunday, September 10, 2023, the life of a young Black/African American man, 19-year-old Zylez James, was tragically cut short in Wichita, Kansas. The incident unfolded around 2:15 a.m. in the parking lot of an apartment complex located in the 4000 block of West Memory Lane. Responding to a shooting call, police officers discovered James unconscious and suffering from gunshot wounds to his upper and lower body.
Despite the immediate life-saving efforts of the
officers, which were continued by emergency medical services, James succumbed to his injuries after being transported to a local hospital. At the scene, investigators also found another individual who had sustained a non-life-threatening graze wound to the arm. This second victim was treated at a hospital and subsequently released. Authorities towed a maroon Lincoln MKZ sedan from the location as part of their investigation into the fatal shooting.
In the days following the shooting, the Wichita Police Department identified a suspect in the case and appealed to the public for assistance in locating him. A man by the name of Louis Jackson was named in connection with the death of Zylez James. As of late November 2023, law enforcement was still actively searching for Jackson. The case is now listed as an open homicide by the Wichita Police Department's Cold Case Unit.
The unexpected loss of Zylez James left his family and friends in deep mourning. Described as someone who brought joy to everyone's life and was the life of the party, his absence created a significant void. A GoFundMe was organized by his mother to help with funeral expenses, and a candlelight vigil was held where loved ones released balloons in his memory. James was a father to a young daughter who will now grow up without him.
