SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas man accused in a fatal shooting at a party on New Year's morning made his first court appearance Monday.
Deajuan Smith, 22 of Wichita, was charged with 1st degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney.
At 4 a.m. January 1, police responded to a shooting at a home in the 2600 block of North Bullinger, according to officer Paul Cruz. Upon arrival, officers located 26-year-old Nicholas Sims of Wichita, who had been shot. He was pronounced deceased on the scene.
The investigation revealed a party was taking place at the home with at least 50 individuals. During the party, an argument ensued between Sims and Smith inside the home.
The argument moved to outside of the home, where Smith shot Sims, according to Cruz. Smith remains jailed on a bond of $200,000. His next court appearance is March 11, according to the district attorney.