Marni Ann Pharis-Shrum, a 59-year-old white female, was found deceased on Thursday, February 24, 2022, in an event that authorities have described as a tragic case of domestic violence. The discovery was made late that evening, just after 11 p.m., at the All Seasons RV Park located in the 15000 block of West Maple in Wichita, Kansas.
Concerned after being unable to reach either Marni or her husband, 56-year-old Jay Shrum, an individual requested a welfare check at their RV. Responding officers entered the recreational vehicle and found both Marni and Jay Shrum inside, each having sustained fatal gunshot wounds. The Wichita police are investigating the deaths as a murder-suicide.
It is believed that Jay Shrum was the perpetrator, shooting Marni before turning the weapon on himself. The ongoing investigation has not indicated the involvement of any other suspects. A memorial service to honor Marni's life was held on March 17, 2022, at NewSpring Church in Wichita. She was a mother to three children, Tara Smith, Eric Smith, and Joshua Robinson, and was survived by her parents and siblings.
