Wichita, KS – A Wichita man is facing a first-degree murder charge following the death of his two-year-old stepson, who succumbed to severe injuries initially attributed to a fall.
Police responded to Wesley Medical Center on July 3 after being notified of a toddler, John Landon Delano, brought to the hospital with critical injuries. According to Wichita Police Captain Aaron Moses, the injuries were initially reported as sustained from a fall.
However, a subsequent investigation by patrol officers and investigators from the Exploited Missing Children’s Unit and the WPD Homicide Unit determined that the nature of the child’s injuries was inconsistent with the explanation provided by the adult caring for him at the time.
On Thursday, July 3rd, authorities arrested 33-year-old Shawn D. Lewis, the child’s stepfather. Booking records show Lewis was initially booked on requested charges of Aggravated Battery (head trauma/permanent) and Child Abuse.
Tragically, John Landon Delano died from his injuries on Saturday, July 5. Following the child’s death, Shawn Lewis has been rebooked into Sedgwick County Jail on a requested charge of First Degree Murder.
The case facts will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney for formal charging consideration. The investigation is ongoing.
