On the morning of February 10, 2016, a day that began like any other in Wichita, Kansas, would end in tragedy for 26-year-old Bishop Martine Robles. He was with his girlfriend and her son, visiting a friend in the 1200 block of North Fairview. As they stood outside around 11:45 a.m., a small, blue crossover-style SUV was seen driving north on Fairview. The vehicle circled the block, passing by the house three times.
On its final pass, the SUV stopped.
A figure emerged from the back seat and opened fire, unleashing a hail of bullets in the direction of the small group. Robles was struck multiple times. The sudden violence shattered the quiet of the neighborhood, and the blue SUV sped away, leaving chaos in its wake. Emergency services were called, and Robles was rushed to a nearby hospital, but his injuries were too severe. He was pronounced dead a short time later.
The Wichita Police Department launched a homicide investigation into the death of the young man, who was remembered by loved ones as a caring and kind individual. Investigators learned that the shooter, or shooters, had fired several shots from a handgun before fleeing the scene. Despite eyewitness accounts of the vehicle, the suspects remained at large. In the years that have followed, the case has grown cold.
With no arrests made, the murder of Bishop Robles remains an open and unsolved case in the Wichita Police Department's Cold Case Unit. Detectives continue to seek information from the public, hoping that a new lead will emerge and finally bring justice to a family still mourning the loss of a son, brother, and friend taken from them in a senseless act of violence. The community is still urged to come forward with any information that might help solve this crime, with the assurance that they can remain anonymous.
