Douglas County

Sheriff: ‘Complicated’ slaying probe continues

The homicide of a 40-year-old Douglas County woman nearly two months ago remains a mystery, but Sheriff Rick Trapp said his agency was still actively investigating the death.

“It’s a complicated investigation,” Trapp said.

Deputies found Carmin D. Ross slain Nov. 14 inside her home north of Lawrence at 1860 E. 1150 Road. Trapp has called it a “crime of violence” and said there was no indication it was the work of a serial killer, but he has declined to release any more details.

Deputies still are awaiting lab results from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation — including tests of DNA evidence — and consulting with an FBI analyst, Trapp said. Four or five deputies are assigned to investigate the case on any given day, he said.

City

Community meeting focuses on homelessness

A “town meeting” on homelessness will be at 3 p.m. today at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1245 N.H.

“The goal of this meeting is to bring our community together, to begin a revived process of integrating our services,” said Steve Ozark, president of the Lawrence Coalition on Homeless Concerns.

He said Lawrence City Commissioner Mike Rundle, who is leading a city task force on homeless issues, would be present. As many as 100 people are expected.

Courts

Police sergeants’ lawsuit scheduled for next year

A lawsuit filed by Lawrence police sergeants against the city will proceed to trial in January 2005, a federal judge ordered.

The dozen sergeants sued last year, saying they hadn’t been paid overtime wages they deserved. The city says the sergeants are supervisors, and thus exempt from federal overtime rules.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Gary Sebelius on Thursday issued an order to set deadlines in the case. Trial is scheduled to begin Jan. 18, 2005, and is expected to take five to seven days.