On a late Saturday evening in June of 2020, a disturbance involving several individuals broke out in Planeview Park in southeast Wichita, Kansas. In the aftermath of this altercation, 42-year-old Manuel Vargas-Avila was left fatally wounded. His life was ended by multiple gunshot wounds, a violent conclusion to the events of that night. The park, typically a place of community and recreation, became the scene of a homicide that would leave investigators searching for answers.
The
following day, a passerby walking through the park in the 2800 block of South Fees made a grim discovery. They found the body of Vargas-Avila resting on a park bench. Law enforcement was immediately called to the scene. Though initial reports were unclear, the Wichita Police Department later confirmed that the cause of death was not stabbing, but rather the result of being shot multiple times. Investigators believe the fatal shooting occurred during the fight that had taken place the night before.
Despite their efforts, police were unable to get detailed descriptions of the individuals involved in the altercation that led to the death of Manuel Vargas-Avila. In the days and years that followed, no arrests were ever made in connection with his murder. The case eventually went cold, but the investigation remains open. Authorities have continued to appeal to the public for any information that might lead to identifying and apprehending the person or persons responsible for this tragic event.
