Kathleen Hayes Obituary, Death: 40-year-old woman identified as Topeka’s seventh homicide victim of 2025

Kathleen Hayes Obituary, Death – 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.

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 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. The presence of crime scene tape and a heavy police response on Monday stood in stark contrast to the neighborhood’s usual atmosphere.

While more information is expected as the investigation continues, police have stated that there is no ongoing threat to the public. With the suspect deceased and no other individuals being sought in connection with the crimes, authorities are now focused on finalizing the investigation and piecing together the full sequence of events.

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. Investigators are currently working to establish a complete timeline and determine what may have led to the violent chain of events.

At this time, officials have not released further details about any prior criminal history involving Marshall or whether he was previously known to police. The combination of a homicide and robbery within such a short window of time has raised concerns and prompted calls for community support for both law enforcement and the families affected.

Police are asking anyone with additional information related to the incident to come forward, even though the primary suspect is deceased. The case remains open as investigators continue to examine evidence and follow up on leads to understand the full scope of what occurred.

As the city of Topeka confronts its rising homicide count, local leaders and residents alike are grappling with the impact of violence on the community. Kathleen Hayes’ death, and the chaotic aftermath that followed, serve as a somber reminder of the need for continued efforts to promote safety, address conflicts before they escalate, and support those affected by tragedy.