Kansas woman fatally shot by son-in-law while making a 911 call for help.

A tragic incident unfolded in Wichita, Kansas, where a 49-year-old grandmother, Sharmaine Marlene Burke, was fatally shot in her home as she communicated her distress to a 911 dispatcher. Authorities reported that Burke was informing the dispatcher about her son-in-law, who allegedly was intoxicated and threatening to shoot her. This alarming situation escalated when Burke indicated that her 8-year-old grandson, the suspect’s child, was also present in the home.

Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeff Easter detailed the harrowing sequence of events during a press conference. While Burke was on the phone, dispatchers heard a series of three gunshots; two of these were fired in quick succession, followed by a longer pause before the third shot rang out. After that final gunshot, communication ceased abruptly, leaving dispatchers concerned for Burke’s well-being.

Upon arriving at the Longbranch Mobile Home Park shortly after 11:30 PM, deputies discovered Burke with multiple gunshot wounds to her upper body. Despite immediate life-saving efforts, she was pronounced dead at 11:57 PM, just moments before her 50th birthday, according to reports from regional media outlets.

In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, law enforcement initiated a search for the suspect, identified as 29-year-old Stephen J. Rogers, who had fled the scene with the child. Deputies promptly disseminated a description of Rogers’ vehicle to neighboring law enforcement agencies. This vehicle was located on U.S. Highway 54 in Augusta around 12:30 AM, approximately 20 miles east of Wichita.

During the attempt to apprehend Rogers, who refused to exit the vehicle, law enforcement engaged in negotiations that lasted about 15 minutes. Ultimately, he surrendered without further incident, and the child was safely recovered unharmed. Rogers has been charged with first-degree murder and aggravated child endangerment and is currently held at the Sedgwick County Jail. The child is now in protective custody.

This heartbreaking event highlights the grave issues surrounding domestic violence and the urgent need for intervention and support systems within communities. The investigation continues as authorities work to understand the full circumstances surrounding this tragic loss of life.

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