In the late summer of 2023, the life of 24-year-old Kiarra I. Hazelton was tragically cut short. On August 15, 2023, in Topeka, Kansas, a city she had come to know after graduating from Topeka High in 2017, she was found deceased. Kiarra, a female, was discovered at a home in the 2100 block of SW Plass Avenue after police responded to a report of a possible shooting shortly before 6 p.m.
First responders arrived to find two unresponsive adults with life-threatening injuries, who were later pronounced dead at the scene.
The second individual found deceased was identified as 31-year-old Dontae E. Knight of Topeka. Detectives with the Topeka Police Department began investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths and publicly stated that they were looking into the case as a possible murder-suicide. This line of investigation suggests that Knight is the suspected perpetrator in Hazelton's death, and as a result, no arrests have been made. Dontae Knight's obituary confirms he passed away on the same day and mentions Kiarra Hazelton as his girlfriend. It also notes his battle with diagnosed mental health disorders.
Born on July 7, 1999, in Junction City, Kansas, Kiarra, also lovingly known as "Kiki Belle," was remembered for her infectious personality that had the ability to brighten the days of those around her. She was known for making everyone feel welcomed and loved, and it was her mission to make the world a better place. After high school, she pursued her passion for travel, with Las Vegas being a favorite destination, though she also cherished seeing the oceans in Texas and the mountains of Colorado. Her preference was to fly, eager to not waste a moment in seeing the world. Her life, filled with a love for travel and a warm spirit, ended unexpectedly, leaving behind a host of loving family and friends.
