Daileon Maurice Thomas, 23, of Olathe, was charged Wednesday, Oct. 21, with second-degree murder in connection with a fatal shooting in downtown Lawrence, according to KCTV5.
Lawrence police had arrested Thomas around 8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19, and booked him into the Douglas County Correctional Facility. Detectives initially recommended first-degree murder charges, but the formal charge filed Wednesday was second-degree murder, KCTV5 reported. A first appearance was scheduled for 3 p.m. Wednesday.
The shooting happened around 3 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, in the 700 block of New Hampshire Street, a block off Massachusetts Street. Officers responded to reports of gunshots and found Victor Gabriel Moreno, 23, in a parking lot on the west side of the street, according to the Lawrence Times. Officers and paramedics attempted lifesaving measures, but Moreno was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Lawrence Times identified Moreno as a Lawrence resident. KCTV5's earlier reporting described his family as being from Overland Park.
Investigators used public and private video, license plate reader data and witness accounts to identify those involved, according to a Lawrence Police Department news release cited by the Kansas City Star. Detectives located Thomas and arrested him without incident. They also recovered the firearm they believe was used in the killing.
Police said they have no reason to believe Thomas and Moreno knew each other before the night of the shooting.
Thomas was being held without bond as of Tuesday, Oct. 20, according to George Diepenbrock, a spokesperson for the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, the Lawrence Times reported.
Moreno's aunt, Angel Benton, told KCTV5 on Monday, Oct. 19, that Moreno was a father to a 4-year-old son. "Gabriel was a very loving person," Benton said.
Thomas has not been convicted. Anyone with information about the case can call Lawrence police dispatch at 785-843-0250 or Crime Stoppers of Lawrence and Douglas County at 785-843-TIPS (8477). Tips to Crime Stoppers can be anonymous.
