LARNED — The Larned community is dealing with tragedy following an apparent weekend domestic violence incident that resulted in the deaths of two adults and one minor child.
The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is heading the investigation begun by the Larned Police Department and Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office, according to a KBI news release.
According to the KBI release, on Saturday, Jan. 8 at approximately 9:05 p.m., the LPD received a call from a man reportedly concerned with the family’s welfare, who discovered three individuals dead inside a residence in Larned.
When officers arrived at 524 Park St., they located Shala M. Smith, 44; Carver A. Smith, 12; and Jon B. Smith, 44, all of Larned, who each died from gunshot wounds. They were pronounced dead by the coroner at the scene.
The PCSO arrived as an assisting agency at approximately 9:11 p.m. The LPD requested KBI assistance at approximately 9:25 p.m. KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response team were dispatched to Larned to investigate.
More details will be available after the autopsies have been completed. The KBI advised that no threat to the public is believed to exist related to this incident.
Monday response
Larned Middle School and USD 495 school district administrators immediately activated the crisis plan on Monday, according to Superintendent Bryce Wachs. The crisis plan is available district-wide, as relevant professionals such as school psychologists and counselors assess the level of intervention required as well as the emotional support needs of students and staff.
Also on Monday, a special communication was issued by the Larned Correctional Mental Health Facility where Shala Smith had been employed as activity therapist, program consultant and corrections counselor.
“Shala embraced her role as a case manager, and had the utmost respect from both employees and residents,” the response read. “Her upbeat attitude was infectious and her smile could light up a room. She never backed down from a task and was always on hand to help support her friends and coworkers.”
The KBI investigation is ongoing.
