In the spring of 2021, the life of 39-year-old Kristi Ann Rodriguez, a White female from Chanute, Kansas, was tragically cut short in a violent encounter in Topeka. On the night of Friday, March 26, 2021, a shooting erupted in the 3100 block of Southeast Bryant Street. When Topeka police officers arrived at the scene, they discovered a grim tableau. Inside a home, Kristi Rodriguez had been fatally wounded and was pronounced dead. Two other individuals were also found with gunshot wounds.
One sustained life-threatening injuries and was rushed to a local hospital, while the other suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
The investigation into the homicide quickly identified two persons of interest. Law enforcement began a search for 28-year-old Devonta B. Miller of Topeka and 21-year-old Harlee E. Borders of Marysville. The search extended beyond Topeka, and a crucial tip led police to an apartment in Manhattan, Kansas. On Sunday, just two days after the fatal shooting, both Miller and Borders were taken into custody without incident.
Following their apprehension, Miller and Borders were transported back to Topeka and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections. They faced a litany of serious charges, including first-degree murder for the death of Kristi Rodriguez, in addition to aggravated kidnapping, aggravated burglary, aggravated battery, and child endangerment. Investigators also connected them to a two-vehicle accident that occurred at the intersection of Southeast 31st and Southeast Adams shortly after the shooting.
The legal process for the two suspects concluded at different times. In 2022, Harlee Borders was convicted for her role in the crime and received a life sentence. Devonta Miller's case proceeded to trial, but in a turn of events, he agreed to a plea deal in the midst of the proceedings. In March 2025, Miller pleaded guilty to first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and aggravated battery. His sentencing was scheduled for the following month.
