In the winter of 2015, the life of a young White/Caucasian man, 18-year-old Colton Chad Christenson, was tragically cut short in Topeka, Kansas. A recent graduate of Seaman High School and a student at Washburn University, Colton was known for his engaging smile and was an employee at the Topeka Country Club.
On the evening of January 5, 2015, what began as a transaction involving the sale of marijuana took a fatal turn.
During the course of the drug deal, a struggle broke out between Christenson and the buyer, identified as 21-year-old Kelsey Lee Fairchild of Overbrook, Kansas. In the ensuing altercation, Fairchild produced a revolver and shot Christenson.
After being shot, Christenson's vehicle continued to move for a short distance, ultimately crashing into the front porch of a nearby house. He was quickly transported to Stormont-Vail Regional Medical Center, but tragically, he was pronounced dead. Fortunately, no one inside the home that was struck by the vehicle sustained any injuries.
The investigation into the shooting led to the arrest of Kelsey Lee Fairchild. He was subsequently charged with first-degree murder and aggravated robbery in connection with Christenson's death. In July 2016, Fairchild entered a guilty plea to reduced charges of intentional second-degree murder and two counts of aggravated robbery. During his sentencing hearing, Fairchild offered an apology to Christenson's family before being sentenced to approximately 27 years in prison for his role in the killing.
