In the winter of 2016, a 28-year-old male named Robert "Robby" Young, a beloved musician in the Wichita community and a devoted father, lost his life in a violent encounter. His death on December 30, 2016, followed a shooting that occurred the previous evening, leaving his family and friends in mourning. The incident cut short the life of a man known for his kindness and musical talents.
The events leading to Young's death unfolded at the Woodgate Apartments in Wichita.
He was there visiting a friend and his roommate when an argument broke out amongst the men while they were drinking. Following the dispute, Young and the roommate left the apartment, only to return a short time later. Young began hitting the apartment door for several minutes.
What happened next would be the focus of a police investigation and a subsequent murder trial. The man inside the apartment, 24-year-old Kirby Lewis, opened the door and fired several shots, striking Young. Officers who responded to the scene found Young in a hallway with multiple gunshot wounds. He was rushed to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries the next morning.
Kirby Lewis was arrested and charged with second-degree murder in connection with Robert Young's death. During his trial, Lewis maintained that he acted in self-defense. He claimed he believed Young was attempting to break into his home and feared for his safety. In November 2017, a jury acquitted Lewis of the murder charge, accepting his claim of self-defense and defense of his home. No other suspects were publicly identified or charged in the case.
