A man is in custody on suspicion of stabbing 20-year-old McMillin Tutu, of Kansas City, to death in downtown Lawrence after “a bar brawl turned deadly,” according to police.
Officers arrested 25-year-old Keisonn Smith Jr., of Topeka, according to a news release from the Lawrence Police Department Monday morning.
The stabbing occurred near the breezeway between Seventh and Eighth on Massachusetts streets, according to police.
“Officers were dispatched to a disturbance about 2:40am (Sunday) and found the victim lying on the sidewalk,” police wrote in a social media post Sunday morning. “He was transported to an area hospital, but did not survive.”
Investigators worked through the morning Sunday to identify the suspect, according to the release.
“Once evidence pointed to Smith as the suspect, they contacted the Topeka Police Department, who made the arrest at about 3:30 Sunday afternoon,” according to the release. Lawrence police interviewed Smith in Topeka, then booked him into the Douglas County jail.
Investigators have interviewed several witnesses, but they’re asking anyone who recognizes Smith from that night or who may have relevant video to call dispatch at 785-843-0250.
People can also submit anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers of Lawrence and Douglas County at 785-843-TIPS (8477).
Arrestees and defendants in criminal cases should be presumed not guilty unless they are convicted.
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