CLEARWATER, Kan. — The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office has completed its investigation into the August 2025 death of a 15-month-old Clearwater child.
On Monday, April 13, the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office charged 31-year-old Shanna Kay Whitton with one count of first-degree felony murder, one count of abuse of a child, one count of aggravated child endangerment and one count of aggravated arson in connection with the death of her son, Matthew Jon Whitton.
On Aug. 25, 2025, Sedgwick County Sheriff’s deputies, Clearwater Police officers, Sedgwick County EMS and the Clearwater Fire Department responded to the Mimosa Arms Apartments in the 700 block of East Janet Street in Clearwater for an unconscious 15-month-old child who had reportedly choked on food.
Officers found Matthew not breathing and began lifesaving efforts until EMS and fire personnel arrived and took over care. Matthew was taken by EMS to a Wichita hospital in extremely critical condition. Despite continued medical intervention, he died at the hospital on Aug. 28.
The Clearwater Police Department asked the Sheriff’s Office to take over the investigation.
An autopsy was conducted Aug. 31, 2025, at the Sedgwick County Regional Forensic Center. On Jan. 14, 2026, the final autopsy report determined the cause of death was complications of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy caused by an intentionally inflicted asphyxia event and the manner of death was ruled a homicide.
During the investigation into the circumstances of Matthew’s death, detectives reviewed a reported apartment firet that occurred July 26, 2025, at the same residence. Investigators determined the fire started in Matthew’s bedroom while he was inside. Fire investigators concluded the fire was intentionally set. Several apartments in the building were occupied at the time.
Whitton was originally arrested Oct. 9, 2025, on arson-related charges. On Oct. 15, 2025, the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office charged her with six counts of aggravated arson and two counts of arson in connection with the July 26, 2025, fire. The charges were filed in the 18th Judicial District Court and Whitton has remained in custody since her arrest.
On April 3, 2026, detectives presented findings related to Matthew’s death to the District Attorney’s Office. The case was amended Monday to include the aforementioned charges related to Matthew’s death.
Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeff Easter said cases involving the death of a child are especially difficult. “These investigations take time because we have a responsibility to get them right,” Easter said. “Our detectives are committed to putting the pieces together and being a voice for children who can’t speak for themselves.”
The Sheriff’s Office can confirm additional incidents involving Shanna Kay Whitton, Matthew Jon Whitton and another deceased child are part of this ongoing investigation. All incidents remain part of an active investigation.
As additional facts are uncovered, they will be presented to the District Attorney’s Office.