Lawrence man convicted in 2023 shooting death of 20-year-old Topeka man

Douglas County District Attorney Suzanne Valdez today announced that Maliqe Crenshaw, 23, of Lawrence, pleaded no contest to involuntary manslaughter in the 2023 shooting death of a Topeka man.

“A senseless encounter claimed the life of a young man and endangered the safety of many others,” District Attorney Valdez said. “We are committed to holding perpetrators accountable to ensure the safety and well-being of our neighborhoods.”

Charges stemmed from an incident that occurred shortly after 1 a.m., on June 3, 2023, when police were called to an area near W. 24th Street and Cedarwood Avenue in reference to multiple reports of gunshots. Police were at Lawrence Memorial Hospital when Crenshaw drove the 20-year-old victim, who had been shot in the chest and shoulder, to the hospital following an altercation between the men. The victim died three days after the incident. 

Sentencing was set by Judge Stacey Donovan for 1:30 p.m., on September 27, 2024, at the Douglas County Judicial and Law Enforcement Center. Crenshaw faces between 31 and 136 months in prison. Crenshaw also must register as a violent offender for 15 years. 

Deputy District Attorney David Greenwald and Assistant District Attorney Samantha Foster represented the State of Kansas. The matter was investigated by the Lawrence Kansas Police Department and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.