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Olathe Gunman Allegedly Asked, 'Is Your Status Legal?' Before Shooting

Johnson County Sheriff's Office

The suspected gunman in the Feb. 22 shooting that left one man dead and two injured at an Olathe, Kansas, bar asked two Indian nationals if their “status was legal” before shooting them, according to a probable cause affidavit released Monday morning from Johnson County District Court. 

The document, which outlines the police case for detention of the suspect, says that roughly 30 minutes before the shooting, the three victims were seated in the patio area at the front of the neighborhood bar, Austins Bar and Grill near 151st and Mur-Len. 

Adam W. Purinton then allegedly confronted Alok Madasani and Srinivas Kuchibhotla about their immigration status. "Is your status legal?" one of the victims reported hearing the suspect say, according to the affidavit.

Purinton was described as wearing “jeans, a white T-shirt with military style medals on it, and a white scarf around his head.”

The third shooting victim, Ian Grillot, was on the patio watching a KU basketball game with a co-worker.

Grillot and Austins employees told Purinton to leave and “he was escorted out of the establishment,” according to the affidavit.

A half hour later, the suspect returned with a gun and allegedly opened fire.

From his hospital bed, Madasani told police he remembered just before the shooting that he heard people shouting, “He’s back with a gun!” The type of firearm is not identified, but the suspect shot Madasani and Kuchibhotla before fleeing on foot.

Grillot chased Purinton, thinking he was out of ammunition. Purinton allegedly then turned and fired at Grillot.

All three victims were taken to the University of Kansas Hospital.

Kuchibhotla died of his wounds. Madasani suffered non-life threatening gunshot wounds and was released from the hospital the next day. Grillot was seriously injured by gunshots to his hand and chest and remained hospitalized for several days. He has since been released and is home.

Purinton is in custody in the Johnson County Jail on charges of first-degree murder and two counts of attempted first-degree murder. His next court appearance is set for Thursday.  

Laura Ziegler is a community engagement reporter and producer. Reach on on twitter @laurazig or email lauraz@kcur.org.

I partner with communities to uncover the ignored or misrepresented stories by listening and letting communities help identify and shape a narrative. My work brings new voices, sounds, and an authentic sense of place to our coverage of the Kansas City region. My goal is to tell stories on the radio, online, on social media and through face to face conversations that enhance civic dialogue and provide solutions.
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