Two arrested in connection to fatal shooting during drug deal in northwest Wichita

Two people have been arrested in connection to the fatal shooting of a 21-year-old man and the shooting of a teenage boy after the four arranged to meet up for a drug deal, according to the Wichita Police Department.

Police arrested 20-year-old Missy Barber and 18-year-old Preston Reynolds, both of Wichita, on suspicion of first-degree murder in the killing of Earnest Jefferson and shooting of a 19-year-old man. Both victims had multiple gunshot wounds, and Jefferson was pronounced dead at the scene.

At 5:05 p.m. Thursday, police were called to a shooting at an apartment complex near 13th and West. Police found Jefferson and the teen in the parking lot. The teen was taken to the hospital and remains in critical condition as of Friday morning.

At 5:40 p.m., Reynolds arrived Ascension Via Christi St. Francis Hospital with a gunshot wound to his leg. He was treated, released and booked into Sedgwick County Jail.

“Investigators were able to learn of Barber’s involvement in the incident throughout the investigation,” officer Charley Davidson said.

Barber was located at an apartment complex in the 1700 block of South Glenn and was arrested without incident.

“While they were in a vehicle in the parking lot, a disturbance occurred, and shots were fired, injuring Jefferson, the 19-year-old, and Reynolds,” Davidson said. “Reynolds and Barber left the scene in the vehicle.”

This story was originally published May 22, 2020 at 11:28 AM.