With a heavy heart and profound sorrow, the Topeka, Kansas, community is mourning deeply following the tragic and sudden loss of Devin David-Lee Hoadley, 22, who lost his life in a fatal shooting Monday afternoon in southeast Topeka.
According to the Topeka Police Department, officers responded around 1:13 p.m. Monday to a reported shooting at a mobile home park in the 200 block of S.E. 29th Street (245 S.E. 29th St.). When officers arrived, they found Hoadley suffering from a gunshot wound.
Emergency crews with American Medical Response (AMR) transported him to a local hospital in critical condition. Despite all medical efforts, Devin David-Lee Hoadley was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
Authorities later identified a person of interest, 19-year-old Tayvian Smith, who remained at large as of Wednesday afternoon. Police continue to urge the public to come forward with any information that may assist in locating him as the investigation continues.
Officials confirmed that Hoadley’s death marks the third homicide in Topeka for 2026, adding to growing concern in the community as investigators work to understand the circumstances behind the deadly incident. At this time, no motive has been released, and the case remains under active investigation.
As the news spreads, the Topeka community is left grieving a young life taken far too soon. Family, friends, and loved ones are struggling to process the sudden loss of Devin Hoadley, remembering him with heartbreak and reflection.
In the midst of sorrow, the community now stands together in mourning, offering prayers, support, and condolences to those closest to him as they face an unimaginable loss.
