Oct 30, 2023

Suspect in deadly Kan. nightclub killing was in custody, released

Posted Oct 30, 2023 4:50 PM
Johnson-photo Sedgwick County
Johnson-photo Sedgwick County

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a deadly Sunday morning shooting outside a Wichita nightclub have identified the shooter as 33-year-old Terrence Johnson. Police arrested him minutes after the shooting in connection with another crime involving his family. He was booked into jail for the misdemeanor and released before investigators determined he was the alleged nightclub killer.

Just before 12:30 a.m. Sunday, police were monitoring at Onyx 10001 E. Kellogg when they heard multiple gunshots, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.

First responders located 23-year-old Jaylon Pete of Wichita in the parking lot with multiple gunshot wounds. EMS transported him to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

Two other individuals, a 26-year-old man and a 24-year-old man both of Wichita, were struck by gunfire during the shooting. They were transported to local area hospitals for treatment of serious non-life threatening injuries.

Security camera image Wichita Police
Security camera image Wichita Police

Preliminary findings from the ongoing investigation suggest that the suspect now identified as Johnson was involved in a disturbance inside the club, according to Wichita Police Lt. Aaron Moses during a Monday news conference. Johnson went outside to get a handgun and attempted to re-enter the club. but was unable to do so due to safety measured implemented by the club management.

Through extensive investigation and tips from the public, police have probable cause to believe Johnson was the shooter Sunday morning, according to Lt. Moses. Police continue to ask the public for help to find him. He should be considered armed and dangerous.

Less than thirty minutes after the deadly shooting, police responded to a domestic violence call in the 1700 Block of North Pinecrest in Wichita. During the investigation of the call, officers arrested Johnson for alleged misdemeanor criminal damage to property.  Police had no information at that time Johnson was a suspect in the deadly nightclub shooting. 

At 2:16a.m., officers booked Johnson into the Sedgwick County Jail for the criminal damage case and he bonded out just after 3:30a.m., according to online jail records. Police didn't identify him as a suspect in the nightclub killing until afternoon Sunday.  

Anyone with information on Johnson or where he is should call 911.