In the early morning hours of August 15, 2022, the life of 49-year-old Dennis Haynes, a Black/African American male, was tragically cut short in Wichita, Kansas. Haynes was inside a residence in the 5200 block of East Gilbert with several other people when two armed men entered the home. The intruders opened fire, striking Haynes multiple times. Police were dispatched to the scene following a shooting call at approximately 7:50 a.m.
Upon their arrival, officers discovered Haynes unconscious and not breathing. They immediately began life-saving measures until emergency medical services arrived. Haynes was then rushed to a local hospital, but his injuries proved to be too severe, and he was pronounced deceased.
The initial investigation revealed that the two men who had entered the home and shot Haynes fled the scene on foot. Wichita police did not believe the incident was a random act of violence. Known as the oldest child and the backbone of his family, Haynes owned a lawn care business and had been planning to visit his sister just days before he was killed. His sudden and violent death left his family and community in mourning.
In the days that followed, the Wichita Police Department worked to identify the individuals responsible for Haynes's death. Their investigation led them to two suspects. On August 18, 2022, police arrested 21-year-old Caviontay Ramone Conway. Shortly after, a second suspect, 39-year-old Shannon Cavitt Jr., was also taken into custody. Both men, residents of Wichita, were charged with first-degree murder, burglary, aggravated robbery, and kidnapping in connection with the home invasion and fatal shooting of Dennis Haynes. They were each held on a $500,000 bond.
