Dec 01, 2023

Police: Kansas rape suspect found dead after standoff

Posted Dec 01, 2023 1:00 PM

DOUGLAS COUNTY —The man found dead in an apartment following the standoff Wednesday night has been identified as 23-year-old Josiah Emmanuel Henderson of Lawrence.

Officers were attempting to serve a Kansas City, Kansas warrant on Henderson for Rape, Aggravated Criminal Sodomy, Aggravated Indecent Liberties, Aggravated Domestic Battery, and Aggravated Endangering a Child. The warrant was for charges that had not yet been proven in court. Officers knocked on the door and identified themselves, heard Henderson acknowledge their presence, then heard a single gunshot inside the apartment.

Officers immediately backed away from the apartment, established a perimeter, and called for additional resources to assist. Officers evacuated nearby apartments and provided a secure perimeter to ensure the safety of everyone in the area.

At 9:30p.m., 0fficers entered the apartment and located Henderson inside with an apparent gunshot wound.

Lawrence Police personnel remained on scene investigating. Area residents were allowed to return to their homes.