Dustin Michael Clayton, a 35-year-old Caucasian male, passed away on the night of Friday, April 22, 2022, in Topeka, Kansas. Just after 11:00 p.m., police were called to the 500 block of SW Lane Street following reports of a shooting. Upon their arrival, first responders discovered Clayton suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The investigation into Clayton's death continued for two weeks, culminating in the arrest of 19-year-old Kayden Smith of Topeka.
The arrest was a collaborative effort involving the U.S. Marshal Service and the Kansas Highway Patrol. Smith was initially booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on a requested charge of first-degree murder. However, he was later released from custody.
The case remained under investigation, and in early June 2025, authorities arrested Kayden Smith, then 22, for a second time in connection with Clayton's death. His re-arrest was reportedly the result of new developments in the investigation, including an anonymous tip to Crimestoppers. According to court documents, the tip alleged that Smith had told people he had killed Clayton. This new information, combined with evidence such as gunshot residue swabs taken from Smith's hands and the vehicle he was allegedly in at the time of the shooting, led to his being taken back into custody. An altercation at a crosswalk on Southwest Lane is believed to have preceded the fatal shooting. Smith was subsequently charged with second-degree murder and is being held on a one-million-dollar bond.
