A Topeka, Kansas man, Christopher K.W. Barnshaw, 32, is facing murder charges in connection with the deaths of two Topeka residents, Sean E. Thornton, 55, and Ashley T. Brown, 29. The charges stem from an incident that also triggered an Amber Alert for a missing 2-year-old boy.
According to a press release from Shawnee County District Attorney Mike Kagay, Barnshaw has been formally charged with two counts of First Degree Murder (Premeditation), Aggravated Burglary of a Dwelling, Aggravated Endangering a Child, and Kidnapping. His bond is set at $10 million.
The Topeka Police Department (TPD) responded to a welfare check on NE Wabash Ave. on Tuesday, July 22, after which they discovered the bodies of Thornton and Brown inside a home. The ensuing investigation revealed the child abduction, prompting the Amber Alert.
The missing child, Zabe Mendez, 2, was found safe in Illinois thanks to the Mattoon Police Department (MPD). Officers located the child during a traffic stop near Charleston, Illinois. Mendez was unharmed and has been reunited with his father.
Barnshaw was arrested during the traffic stop and is in custody at the Coles County Jail. In addition to the Kansas charges, he faces charges in Illinois of aggravated kidnapping and unlawful use of a weapon. Police found a firearm concealed on him during the arrest.
Investigators believe Barnshaw took Mendez, the child of one of the homicide victims, as he fled the scene of the crime in a stolen vehicle. The Mattoon Police Department spotted the stolen vehicle and apprehended Barnshaw. The investigation is ongoing, and the Mattoon Police are cooperating with Topeka authorities.
Charges Against Christopher Barnshaw
- Murder in the First Degree (Premeditation) –Off Grid Felony
- Murder in the First Degree (Premeditation) –Off Grid Felony
- Aggravated Burglary of a Dwelling- Level 4 Felony
- Aggravated Endangering a Child- Level 9 Felony
- Kidnapping; Flight or the commission of any crime-Level 3 Felony
The Importance of Amber Alerts
This case highlights the critical role Amber Alerts play in the safe recovery of abducted children. The quick response of law enforcement in both Kansas and Illinois was instrumental in bringing Zabe Mendez home unharmed. The collaborative effort between different police departments demonstrates the effectiveness of the Amber Alert system.