Still no labels in investigation of shooting death of 23-year-old Lawrence man

Lawrence police say they have not yet put a label on an investigation into an early Sunday morning death of Lawrence man who was the victim of a gunshot wound.

Franklin J. Spottedtail, 23, died early Sunday after officers responded to a call about a possible stabbing after 3 a.m. Sunday at a unit at Northwinds Apartments in the 1100 block of George Court. Medical personnel eventually declared Spottedtail dead at the scene, while police have said Spottedtail suffered a gunshot wound and was not stabbed.

As of Tuesday, Spottedtail’s death was not being labeled a homicide, and Sgt. Trent McKinley, a Lawrence Police Department spokesman, said “anything and everything is still on the table” in the investigation. No arrests have been made in connection with the shooting, and McKinley added on Tuesday that he did not have information on a specific suspect that could be released.

Although police are still seeking anyone with information about the incident, McKinley said that police “at this point have most likely spoken with the individuals that we need to.”

If anyone else was present or has information, police have asked them to call them at 832-7509 or Douglas County CrimeStoppers at 843-TIPS (8477).

McKinley said that at a minimum a relative lived at the apartment where Spottedtail died. On Tuesday, a three-day notice to vacate was posted on the door of a unit at which the incident occurred, and Nancy Spottedtail was listed on the notice.

Also on Tuesday, blood stains were still visible on the front door of a neighboring unit. McKinley confirmed that the call originated from a neighbor.