KBI releases names in Barton County homicide and chase
Dec 27, 2024
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) -- The Kansas Bureau of Investigation says two people are dead following a domestic violence-related shooting and a chase with law enforcement that began in Barton County Friday morning.
KBI Spokesperson Natalie Turner says the Great Bend Police Department was dispatched around 9:10 a.m. to a business in the 1500 block of 7th Street. When they arrived, officers were told by witnesses that Mario Martinez-Garcia, 32, entered the workplace of Esmeralda Torres-Lopez, 32, and forced her outside, where he shot her.
Torres-Lopez was transported by EMS to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead a short time later. Martinez-Garcia fled the scene in a white 2021 Chevy Silverado.
The KBI says Great Bend detectives spotted the vehicle and began pursuit. They were soon joined by law enforcement from multiple agencies.
Crews battle large house fire southwest of Augusta; firefighter not seriously injured
During the pursuit, a tire deflation device was deployed. A Barton County Sheriff’s Office deputy conducted a tactical vehicle intervention, causing the pickup truck to leave the road and crash through a barbed-wire fence.
Turner says the vehicle came to a stop in a field. Law enforcement approached and discovered the body of Martinez-Garcia with a single gunshot wound to his head and a gun reportedly in his hand.
He was pronounced dead at the scene. No one else was hurt in the incident.
Turner says the KBI was called to assist with the investigation. Autopsies will be performed on Martinez-Garcia, which is standard procedure.
Great Bend Police Chief Steve Haulmark tells KSN the chase went south on US Highway 281 into Stafford County and then west onto Highway 50, where it eventually stopped. Chief Haulmark says they were assisted by the Barton and Stafford County Sheriff's Offices, The Kansas Highway Patrol, and St. John Police.
The KBI says once their investigation is complete, they will present their findings to the Stafford County Attorney for review.