The Wichita Police Department, led by Police Chief Joe Sullivan, has confirmed the identities of five individuals killed in a series of tragic shootings across two locations in South Wichita, Kansas. Authorities have determined that 42-year-old Joshua Stickney appears to have been the gunman in an incident that left his father, stepfather, a neighbor, and a friend dead before he reportedly turned the gun on himself. The devastating chain of events has left the community shocked, as police investigate the circumstances and motives behind the killings.
Initial Discovery: The Tragic Scene at 1700 Block of South Santa Fe Avenue
The sequence of events began at approximately 5:45 p.m. on November 10, 2024, when Sedgwick County Emergency Communications received a call from two individuals reporting a disturbing discovery at a residence in the 1700 block of South Santa Fe Avenue. According to dispatch records, the callers reported finding 67-year-old Anthony Stickney, a long-time resident of the address, unresponsive and suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Wichita Police officers and the Wichita Fire Department responded to the call within minutes, finding Anthony Stickney deceased on the scene.
Investigators at the South Santa Fe residence found no immediate indication of forced entry or robbery, suggesting that the incident might be a targeted act of violence. During initial questioning, the two individuals who found Anthony shared crucial information that shaped the trajectory of the police response. They informed officers that Anthony’s son, Joshua Stickney, was the last known visitor to the residence and might hold answers to the sudden and violent death of his father.
Police Search and Escalation: Officers Locate Joshua Stickney at Second Crime Scene
With this information, Wichita Police immediately focused on locating Joshua Stickney, 42, who resided at a separate residence in the 1900 block of South Laura Avenue, just a short drive from his father’s home. At approximately 7:05 p.m., officers arrived at the Laura Avenue address, where they observed no signs of movement or response from inside the home. Despite knocking and announcing their presence, they received no response from the occupants, leading officers to escalate the situation.
After determining a potential emergency inside, officers forced entry into the residence, where they were met with a tragic scene: three males, including Joshua, were found suffering from gunshot wounds. The men were later identified as Joshua Stickney, 66-year-old Donald Dodge, a friend and neighbor of Joshua, and 55-year-old Terry Meyer, Joshua’s stepfather, who lived with him at the residence. All three were pronounced deceased by Sedgwick County EMS responders at the scene.
Forensic Details and Evidence Collection
A preliminary assessment of the crime scene revealed that the firearm used in the shootings was located near Joshua’s feet, and initial examination suggests his fatal wound was self-inflicted. Investigators are treating the incident as a possible murder-suicide, though forensic analysis is ongoing to determine the exact sequence of events within the Laura Avenue home. Evidence collection teams documented the position of each body, photographed the scene, and gathered physical evidence to build a comprehensive understanding of what transpired.
Chief Sullivan confirmed that authorities are conducting ballistic and forensic analyses to verify that the weapon found at Joshua’s feet was used in both the Santa Fe and Laura Avenue shootings. Autopsy reports are expected to provide further insight into the sequence and timing of each death, which may help clarify Joshua’s actions and motives.
A Grim Discovery of a Fifth Victim: Alan Young
As Wichita police continued their investigation, officers were informed by neighbors that Joshua had a pet that would need care. This led them to contact a nearby resident, 39-year-old Alan Young, who was known to assist Joshua with his pets. When officers arrived at Young’s residence on South Laura Avenue, they observed him lying unresponsive inside. Fearing another tragedy, they forced entry into the residence and confirmed the worst: Alan Young had also been shot and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The discovery of Alan Young’s body marked the fifth fatality in this unfolding tragedy and raised additional questions about the breadth and motivation behind the violent acts. Investigators are working to determine whether Alan Young’s death occurred before or after the events at the other two locations, hoping to establish a timeline that could offer insight into Joshua Stickney’s movements and state of mind leading up to the fatal shootings.
Community Reaction and Impact
The close-knit neighborhood in South Wichita is reeling from the news of the shooting spree that has left five people dead. Friends and family of the victims, as well as other local residents, are struggling to process the scale of the tragedy. Neighbors who spoke with reporters described shock and disbelief at the violence that unfolded so close to home.
Some residents recalled interactions with the victims, describing them as long-time community members who would often engage in neighborhood gatherings or simply chat while tending to their homes. The news of the deaths, particularly under such tragic and violent circumstances, has left the community in mourning, with neighbors grappling with how to support one another in the wake of these devastating losses.
Police Investigation and Public Safety Concerns
The Wichita Police Department is treating the incident with the utmost seriousness, ensuring a thorough and transparent investigation. Chief Sullivan addressed the public in a press conference, expressing condolences to the families and assuring residents that authorities are dedicated to uncovering the full story behind the killings. “This is a heart-wrenching loss for our community, and we are committed to a complete investigation to bring clarity and justice to the lives lost,” Sullivan stated.
Chief Sullivan and Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett are working in tandem to assess the available evidence and determine if any additional investigative steps are required. The DA’s office has pledged to assist the Wichita Police in any way possible, emphasizing the importance of providing closure to the grieving families.
In addition to analyzing forensic evidence, detectives are interviewing neighbors, family members, and friends of the victims to piece together the potential factors that may have influenced the events. Investigators are keenly aware that many in the community are anxious for answers, and they are working to gather the necessary information without compromising the integrity of the case.
Mental Health and Support Services
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Wichita officials have acknowledged the importance of mental health services for the community. Local mental health organizations, including COMCARE of Sedgwick County, have extended their services to those impacted by the incident, offering counseling and support for anyone in need. Faith leaders and community support groups have also stepped forward, providing spaces for residents to process their grief and find solace in community solidarity.
City officials and neighborhood leaders are also organizing memorial services for the victims, providing an opportunity for the community to come together and honor the lives lost. Plans for a candlelight vigil are underway, with neighbors and friends of the victims invited to share memories and celebrate the positive impact each person had within the community.
A Closer Look at the Victims and Suspected Gunman
Authorities have shared limited background information on the victims and the suspected gunman, though they have expressed a commitment to protecting the privacy of the families involved. Anthony Stickney, the first victim discovered on Santa Fe Avenue, was a respected member of his neighborhood and known for his dedication to his family. Friends have described him as a caring individual who took pride in his role as a father, which makes his death all the more heartbreaking for those who knew him.
Donald Dodge, a close friend and neighbor to Joshua, is remembered by neighbors as a kind-hearted individual who often went out of his way to help others. His involvement in the tragic events has left many in the community mourning the loss of a man they viewed as both a friend and a role model.
Joshua Stickney, the suspected gunman, remains a complex figure in the ongoing investigation. While some community members recall him as quiet and reserved, others have noted recent struggles he faced, though details remain unclear. Wichita Police have yet to confirm any documented history of mental health concerns or violent tendencies.
The Path Forward: Building a Safer Community
In the wake of the tragedy, Wichita officials and community leaders are focused on rebuilding and ensuring public safety. City leaders have called on residents to foster a stronger sense of community vigilance and open dialogue around mental health, hoping to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The incident has sparked discussions on how to address the challenges of violence, mental health, and community resources.
Local organizations, including the Wichita Police Department and Sedgwick County health services, are exploring opportunities to enhance support systems and improve outreach efforts for individuals struggling with mental health issues.
