An Olathe man was charged Wednesday with second-degree murder in a man’s death in downtown Lawrence over the weekend.
Victor Gabriel Moreno, 23, of Lawrence, was killed early Sunday in the 700 block of New Hampshire Street.
Officers were dispatched to the parking lot on the west side of New Hampshire Street for a report of gunshots. They found Moreno and began rendering aid until paramedics took over, but Moreno was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police arrested Daileon Maurice Thomas, 23, of Olathe, who was charged Wednesday with intentional second-degree murder, a level-1, or high-severity, felony.
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Police have said they have no reason to believe the suspect and the victim knew each other prior.
Thomas appeared in court for the first time Wednesday before Douglas County District Judge Pro Tem Gary West.
West read the charge out loud to Thomas and appointed Lawrence defense attorney Branden Smith to represent him. Senior Assistant District Attorney Eve Kemple is prosecuting the case.
West set Thomas’ bond at $500,000, meaning Thomas would likely have to pay a bond agency $50,000 to be released from jail while the case against him is pending.
Thomas cannot contact any witnesses who are not law enforcement, West said.
His next court appearance is set for 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27 before Judge Stacey Donovan.
Defendants in criminal cases should be presumed not guilty unless they are convicted.
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Cuyler Dunn (he/him), staff reporter, has worked with The Lawrence Times since April 2022. He can be reached at [email protected].
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