Self-defense possible in death

By Phil Anderson

THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

Police on Thursday were investigating whether a Topeka man acted in self-defense in the shooting death of another man Wednesday evening in the city's Oakland neighborhood.

The victim was identified Thursday as Shawn Koss, 37, of Topeka.

Police spokeswoman Kristi Pankratz said Koss was shot at about5:40 p.m. Wednesday in a garage behind a residence at 417 N.E. Lake, several blocks north and east of the BNSF Railway shops.

Police said Koss died later Wednesday after being taken to a Topeka hospital by an American Medical Response ambulance.

Koss became the city's first homicide victim of 2008.

Police on Thursday wouldn't say how many times or where Koss had been shot. However, police said an altercation between the shooter and Koss, who knew each other, preceded the gunfire.

Police said an autopsy was to be performed by the Shawnee County coroner.

Maj. John Sidwell, commander of criminal investigations for the Topeka Police Department, said alcohol was believed to have been a factor in the altercation.

"We're investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting," Sidwell said. "Certainly, self-defense would be one of the circumstances we're investigating."

Sidwell said police interviewed several people in connection with the shooting, including the man who fired the weapon, who later was released.

The shooter wasn't identified by name, but Sidwell said he was an "older gentleman."

Efforts to reach the occupants of the home where the shooting took place were unsuccessful.

On Thursday, neighbors continued to deal with the shooting. Some said such incidents were rare in their community.

"We have a very quiet area," said Rita Munoz, who lives in the neighborhood. "It was very shocking to see what happened."

Anyone with information on the shooting may call detectives at (785) 368-9400 or Crime Stoppers at (785) 234-0007.

Phil Anderson can be reached

at (785) 295-1195

or phil.anderson@cjonline.com.

Copyright 2008
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