On the night of June 28, 2023, the life of 30-year-old Kurel Hayes, a Black/African American male, was tragically cut short in Wichita, Kansas. Emergency services were dispatched to the 500 block of North Gordon at approximately 10:36 p.m. following reports of a shooting. Upon their arrival, they discovered Hayes in the front yard of a residence, suffering from a gunshot wound to his upper torso.
He was unresponsive and immediately transported to a local hospital in critical condition, but he succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators quickly determined that the shooting was not a random act of violence. The Wichita Police Department stated their belief that Kurel Hayes knew his assailant, suggesting a personal connection to the tragic event. This detail pointed the investigation towards those familiar with Hayes, though authorities did not publicly release any information about a possible motive or specific individuals they were looking into in the immediate aftermath.
Despite the initial belief that the suspect was known to the victim, the case has grown cold. No arrests have been made in connection with the death of Kurel Hayes, and no suspects have been publicly identified. The Wichita Police Department continues to appeal to the public for any information that might lead to a breakthrough in the investigation. His case is now listed among the unsolved homicides being handled by the department's Cold Case Unit, leaving his family and community still searching for answers and justice.
