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Capital Murder Charge Filed In KCK Detective Shooting

Elle Moxley
/
KCUR 89.3

Wyandotte County prosecutors filed charges Wednesday in connection with the shooting death of Kansas City, Kansas Det. Brad Lancaster.

Wyandotte County District Attorney Jerome Gorman charged Curtis Ayers of Tonganoxie, Kansas with capital murder, two counts of aggravated robbery and burglary, two counts of kidnapping, aggravated battery and criminal possession of a firearm.

At a press conference, Gorman said Ayers' bond was set at $10 million. He also said the case could be prolonged if Ayers fights extradition from Jackson County back to Wyandotte County.

"I don't know what the time period for that is," Gorman said. 

Lancaster was a nine-year veteran of the KCK Police Department. Authorities allege that Ayers shot Lancaster multiple times Monday as the detective responded to a suspicious person report. Ayers then led police on a chase that involved multiple car jackings before he was shot and arrested in Kansas City, Missouri. 

"[Ayers'] exact condition I cannot tell you," Gorman told reporters. "But I think it's better than intensive care."

Kansas City, Kansas authorities were supposed to perform a ceremony for National Police Week Wednesday, but instead announced the charges against Ayers. 

Gorman said authorities have not yet decided whether Ayers will face the death penalty for the capital murder charge. 

Cody Newill is the digital editor for KCUR 89.3. Follow him on Twitter @CodyNewill. Elle Moxley is a reporter for the station. Reach her on Twitter @ellemoxley.

Cody Newill is part of KCUR's audience development team. Follow him on Twitter @CodyNewill or email him at cody@kcur.org.
Elle Moxley covered education for KCUR.
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