Fredonia

Murder-suicide blamed in three trailer deaths

Police have identified two adults and an infant whose bodies were found this week inside a camping trailer in southeast Kansas. It appears the deaths were a result of a murder-suicide, authorities said.

Investigators believe Chris Rutchman, 35, shot and killed 29-year-old Rebecca Studebaker before taking his own life, Fredonia Police Chief Doug McKenna said. The baby, 7-month-old Gregory Fritz, died of dehydration one to two days after his mother was killed, he said.

The three bodies were found Tuesday inside a camping trailer after neighbors in Cottonwood Trailer Court smelled a strong odor and called police. McKenna said judging by the decomposition of the bodies, the couple likely had been dead about six days.

McKenna said Rutchman was a journeyman electrician who traveled coast to coast for work. He lived in the trailer where the three died.

Mission

Officials reject Sunday liquor sales

Mayor Laura McConwell cast the deciding vote against a proposal to allow Sunday liquor sales in this Johnson County community.

“I don’t agree with liquor stores being open on Sundays,” McConwell said Wednesday after the issue failed with five in favor and four against the proposal.

A majority of the city’s elected officials backed the proposal, but the issue needed two-thirds approval, or six votes.

Two other Johnson County communities already have voted to allow Sunday liquor sales. In recent weeks, Overland Park and Lenexa have approved charter ordinances. Kansas City, Kan., and Edwardsville began allowing Sunday liquor sales late last year.