Kathleen Hayes Obituary, Death: Topeka Mourns the Loss of a Beloved Resident
Authorities in Topeka have identified the city’s seventh homicide victim of 2025 as 40-year-old Kathleen Hayes. Police say Hayes was fatally shot during a disturbance that occurred on Monday morning at a residence in the Highland Park neighborhood of East Topeka. The incident took place around 8:45 a.m. at a two-story yellow home located at 2700 S.E. Minnesota Avenue.
The Incident
Officers from the Topeka Police Department responded to reports of the disturbance and, upon arrival, discovered a woman who had sustained fatal injuries. She was pronounced dead at the scene. At a news conference held Wednesday morning, officials publicly confirmed the identity of the victim as Kathleen Hayes, a resident of Topeka.
Investigation and Suspect
Investigators soon identified a suspect in the case: 47-year-old Anthony Marshall Jr., also of Topeka. According to police, Marshall and Hayes were acquainted, although the nature of their relationship has not been fully disclosed. Marshall was not only linked to the fatal shooting of Hayes, but was also the suspect in a bank robbery that occurred just minutes after the homicide.
Bank Robbery and High-Speed Pursuit
Authorities say that at approximately 9:07 a.m. on Monday—less than 30 minutes after the fatal shooting—Marshall was involved in the robbery of an Equity Bank branch located at 3825 S.W. 29th Street in Topeka. The investigation intensified as law enforcement tracked Marshall’s movements. By Tuesday, he was involved in a high-speed pursuit with the Kansas Highway Patrol along Interstate 135 in McPherson County.
Suspect’s Death
During the course of the pursuit, Marshall reportedly sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities later confirmed that he died from that wound, bringing a violent end to a series of incidents that began with the death of Hayes.
Community Response
The case has left many in the Topeka community shocked, particularly as it marked the city’s seventh homicide so far in 2025. Residents of the Highland Park neighborhood expressed sadness over the tragedy, with some saying the area has generally been quiet and peaceful.
Investigation Continues
Police have not yet released detailed information about the motive behind the shooting or how the robbery may have connected to the earlier homicide. Officials have also not disclosed what led to the pursuit or the specific circumstances surrounding Marshall’s death during the chase. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to piece together the full sequence of events.
Conclusion
Kathleen Hayes’ death is being mourned by her family and friends, who described her as a vibrant and kind person. As those close to her grapple with the sudden loss, the Topeka Police Department has extended condolences and reiterated its commitment to providing answers through a thorough investigation. The events that unfolded—from the fatal shooting to the subsequent robbery and high-speed pursuit—highlight the challenges law enforcement faces in responding to rapidly evolving incidents.
