photo by: Douglas County Sheriff's Office

Keisonn Smith Jr.

A suspect in a fatal stabbing in downtown Lawrence was arrested Sunday afternoon.

Keisonn Smith Jr., 25, of Topeka, was apprehended in connection with the early-morning stabbing of McMillin Tutu, a 20-year old Kansas City, Missouri, man, near Seventh and Massachusetts streets. Police on Monday said the stabbing occurred as “a weekend bar brawl turned deadly.”

Police were called to the scene around 2:40 a.m. Sunday. Officers found Tutu lying on the sidewalk near a breezeway that connects Massachusetts Street to a parking lot off of New Hampshire Street. He had been stabbed several times in the chest and abdomen. He was taken to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Once evidence pointed to Smith as the suspect, Lawrence investigators contacted the Topeka Police Department, who made the arrest at about 3:30 Sunday afternoon. Detectives traveled to Topeka to interview Smith and later booked him into the Douglas County Jail.

Investigators have interviewed several witnesses but are asking anyone who recognizes Smith from that night or who may have relevant video to call dispatch at 785-843-0250. Anonymous tips can also be given to Crime Stoppers of Lawrence and Douglas County at 785-843-TIPS (8477).

photo by: Kim Callahan/Journal-World

Police investigate a fatal stabbing in the 700 block of Massachusetts Street on Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026.

This is a developing story.