On Sunday evening, a horrific murder-suicide shocked the Wichita community, leaving four individuals dead and numerous questions unanswered. Wichita police, responding to reports of a possible death, uncovered a disturbing scene that extended across two separate residences. Early indications suggest that this tragic incident involved a series of calculated shootings, culminating in the shooter’s suicide.
Police first arrived at a home on the 1700 block of South Santa Fe around 5:45 p.m. in response to a call about a possible death. Inside, they found the body of 67-year-old Anthony Stickney, who had sustained a fatal gunshot wound. Initial investigations pointed to Anthony’s son, 42-year-old Joshua Stickney, as a key individual of interest, as he was reportedly the last person seen at the residence before the shooting.
Following this lead, officers proceeded to Joshua’s residence on the 1900 block of South Laura. Through a window, they saw two individuals lying unresponsive, prompting officers to force entry into the home around 7:00 p.m. Inside, they discovered the bodies of Joshua Stickney, his neighbor Donald Dodge (66), and his stepfather, Terry Meyer (55), all dead from gunshot wounds. Nearby, police found a firearm next to Joshua’s body, leading authorities to preliminarily believe that he had died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
As police continued investigating, they encountered a new complication concerning Joshua’s pet. Officers reached out to another nearby resident, 39-year-old Alan Young, to arrange for the pet’s care. When they arrived at Young’s home, they observed him lying unresponsive through a window. Officers entered the residence and confirmed that Young, too, had been fatally shot.
The Wichita Police Department has assured the community that these tragic events do not appear to be random. Preliminary findings suggest that the firearm recovered near Joshua’s body was indeed used in all four shootings, strengthening the theory that this was a deliberate and coordinated murder-suicide. The motives behind these brutal acts remain unclear. Investigators are meticulously examining scene evidence, conducting interviews with potential witnesses, and reviewing digital evidence to understand the circumstances and motivations leading up to these tragic events.
Despite the initial discoveries, much remains unknown about what may have driven Joshua Stickney to commit such a horrific act. Police are actively working to reconstruct the timeline and piece together the relationships between the victims. According to a Wichita Police Department spokesperson, authorities are employing forensic analysis and examining any digital footprints or communications that might shed light on Joshua’s psychological state or any potential conflicts that could have contributed to his actions.
Authorities have emphasized that there is currently no ongoing threat to the public. They also reassured residents that no additional suspects are being sought. Despite this reassurance, the incident has understandably left the neighborhood shaken, as residents grapple with the tragedy that unfolded in their community. Several neighbors expressed their shock, describing the victims as quiet, friendly individuals who never appeared troubled or involved in any known disputes.
The Wichita Police Department remains committed to uncovering the full story behind this shocking incident. As forensic results return and witness interviews continue, investigators hope to gain further clarity on the precise motives that may have precipitated this tragedy. For now, the community mourns the loss of four individuals, as questions linger about the unthinkable violence that shattered the peace of this Wichita neighborhood.
Local authorities have encouraged anyone with additional information to come forward, stressing the importance of gathering every possible detail to aid in the investigation. Meanwhile, grief counselors and support resources have been made available to residents and anyone affected by the tragedy.
