Teenager Identified in Fatal Shooting

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Teenager Identified in Fatal Shooting

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Posted: 1:33 PM May 1, 2008
Last Updated: 6:37 PM May 1, 2008
Reporter: Brian Dorman
Email Address: brian.dorman@wibw.com

47 comments

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Shooting

Live From The Scene At Noon

Witnesses Speak Out

A | A | A

Topeka police are investigating what they believe is the city's latest homicide.

They discovered 17-year-old Farrell Sanders in the backyard of a home in the 2400 block of SE Minnesota just after 2 a.m. after responding to a call of a person on the ground in the backyard, according to police reports.

Emergency crews were called to the scene but were unable to revive the victim.

Detectives are treating the case as a homicide, but have released few details at this point.

Witnesses say they hard about 4-6 shots fired in the area.

This is the 4th homicide this year.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: C. Sanders Location: Cleveland, OH on May 17, 2008 at 11:44 PM
This was my nephew and he was a wonderful young man.Please know that we have to let go and let GOD...this is a sign of the time and all of our time here on earth is short. Now all we can do is continue to keep our youth uplifted in prayer, they are our future. Please, let's stop our negative comments & realize that if we want to see change, WE have to be the change. R.I.P my dear Farrell. Your Auntie C loves you and all of your family and friends in Cleveland will miss you and keep you in our hearts. I would also like to take this time to say, "Thank you" to everyone that helped, supported & shared kind words with our family during this time.

Posted by: A friend from school Location: Topeka on May 6, 2008 at 10:18 AM
He was a good friend he always made me smile cuz he would say something funny.. I will miss him so much I can't belive that happened....

Posted by: Anonymous on May 5, 2008 at 11:46 PM
For those of you that criticize the spelling and grammar of others, check yourself first. And for those of you that say the community should step up, and that you all know who did it, then step up. As far as parenting is concerned. Now is not the time. The loss is too great. But for those that are reading this, now is the time for you to step up. When it's your child, remember your words. Yes, I live in the community, I live in HP and I love it, I'm tired of the drama, I'm tired of the petty drug dealers that cause all the drama, I'm tired of not being able to let my grandchildren out to play for fear of a stray bullet! How about we all stand up as a community!

Posted by: Anonymous on May 3, 2008 at 07:16 PM
Half of the people here can't write.

Posted by: KeethyFBaby Location: Ks on May 2, 2008 at 11:07 PM
Don't none of yall who are talking all that mess even know farrell. He always had a smile he was never mad. Its seems like yesterday we was chillen in the halls. R.I.P you will always be remembered ya boy Lakeeth AKA Lucky

Posted by: Anonymous on May 2, 2008 at 02:39 PM
17 y.o. father? geeeeezzzzzz.

Posted by: GoNzO Location: Topeka on May 2, 2008 at 01:55 PM
Ok, for all you hippocrits and fakes and foneys out there shut up!!! if you didn't know Farrell then keep your comments and opinions to your self! how would you feel if your child was murdered and people were calling you bad parents and what not so if you did'nt know the real Farrell Sanders then Keep it to your self because the real homies know who he was and he had no problems with anybody so for all you people who didnt know Farrell get off now, keep your opinions and critcism to your self and go on myspace or something if you want to critisize someone! R.I.P Farrell I Miss You Bro And Am Not Going To Let These People Talk Bad About You! From Your Boy Mico Gonzales!

Posted by: Anonymous on May 2, 2008 at 01:18 PM
Parents? Where are you?

Posted by: Anonymous on May 2, 2008 at 10:15 AM
Another black kid killed. The white people running the government don't care. They already forgot about it.

Posted by: JANICE Location: tOPEKA on May 2, 2008 at 09:22 AM
To bad all of you judgemental people don't have compassion for a grieving family and friends. You may as well be out on the corner with Fred Phelps and his crew. Regardless, Farrell, Mike and David should still be here. There is obviously some sick demented person or persons running around venting their frustrations with a gun and ripping other peoples lives apart. I believe the police department does know who these shooters or shooter is and if it hit closer to home for them this crap would be shut down quickly. There are several reasons why these young people get drawn into the streets thinking a quick dollar is the answer. We all know life isn't fair. So do we put all the blame on the parents or parents? Come on people get real, who is fooling who?

Posted by: Anonymous Location: omaha, NE on May 2, 2008 at 08:41 AM
thats myblil cousin yea he should have been in the house but that dont changed that hes gone what if that was your 17 year old son , father, lil cousin or any person close to you how would you feel you people amaze me he was a child he lost his life and you wanna point fingers at the family you should be sending your regards

Posted by: John on May 2, 2008 at 06:23 AM
Oh, so now you want the cops to just "stop these kids who are out late" and question them? Yeah, right! Then, they'll be hit with lawsuits and all sorts of trivial BS. If they do this over in HP area it'll scream racial overtones. No, the parents need to get a grip on their kids. If no parents then their guardians. Take responsiblity instead of blaming. I have lived in Topeka for over 10 years and I have no guilt whatsoever with these deaths. Why? Because I am not responsible for them as individuals. I have a clear conscience. Do the parents?

Posted by: Anonymous on May 1, 2008 at 11:36 PM
What is wrong with all these kids trying to prove themselves by killing. A 25 year old just died last saturday on michigan and again another life in topeka gone.

Posted by: patty Location: Topeka on May 1, 2008 at 11:23 PM
What in the world is this town coming to??Instead of seeing all this Cops sitting or coming out of a Quick-Shop maybe they need to stop some of these teenagers that are out that late or should I say that early in the morning and fine what in the Hell are they doing out justmessing around. And I am not blaming anyone but some of the parents should have some control on there children. They should have a curfew and if they are under age then go and arrest the parents. And quit just sdlapping there hands when they find the KILLERS of these boys and put them where they belong for how ever long it takes. PRISON...NOT ISP....... Someone needs to step up and get some rules changed on all this gang-banging and murdering these young people!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Anonymous on May 1, 2008 at 10:55 PM
It is absolutely ridiculous for people to make allegations of this kid being a horrible person. He was not a high school drop out. Yes, he should of been in bed. But we don't know the full story, so until you do you shouldn't jump to wild conclusions. One of my friends was very close to Farrell. He and everyone that knew him is going through tough times. My prayers go out to his family. RIP

Posted by: your boi since E HOWER Location: KS on May 1, 2008 at 10:25 PM
I went to school with him since middle school and a little bit of high school and i never seen this coming. He was nice to everyone and no one ever had a problem with farrell. My heart and prayers go out to his family. R.I.P you'll always be missed.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Topeeka Kansas on May 1, 2008 at 10:22 PM
I say to the 17 yr old boys mom and dad they shoulded have there son in the house if they know that there was a shoting over by there house.In sometghing else i think that it was the same person that shoot the persons on saterday.

Posted by: Lakeeth Location: ks on May 1, 2008 at 10:22 PM
R.I.P farrell you'll always be missed. Prayers go out to his family.

Posted by: no name Location: topeka on May 1, 2008 at 09:57 PM
what in the same hell was a 17 yr old out in that time of morning he should of been in bed and his dad and mom should have been more of parents to him and not be letting him run the streets at that time of night

Posted by: Tired of this crap Location: Topeka on May 1, 2008 at 09:40 PM
Since our police force here is having such a tough time getting to the bottom of any of these murders. Maybe they need to bring in the KBI. How many murders do they need to see that there is possibly a connection?

Posted by: anonomous on May 1, 2008 at 09:15 PM
farrell was not the person you would expect to get shot... it hurt alot of us. so someone needs to grow the balls to stand up for what is right and get this stuff takin care of. He had a family that he needed to take care of now the little girl wont have her dad no more

Posted by: anonymous Location: ks on May 1, 2008 at 07:17 PM
I think it is rude to assume this kid was a highschool dropout. If his birthday is anywhere between May 2nd and August 31st then that would make him a senior, graduating at 17. For those of you who don't know, graduation is in 16 days and for those of you who are clueless there is a such thing as graduating early. Assuming anything is ignorant but we all know that there are always people who will think the worst. How about we make the world a better place and only speak when we know the facts. My prayers are with the family and may GOD watch over them through this difficult time.

Posted by: shocked Location: topeka on May 1, 2008 at 07:04 PM
The only real facts in this tragedy are that there is a little girl who no longer has a father, an amazing woman who has to bury her son, two young men and another little girl who will have to go on living without their brother, and many other family and friends who are grieving a terrible loss of a young man who's life was taken far before it should have been. Farrell was not a bad kid he was a good son, father, brother, and friend and anyone who met him was blessed because of it! My heart goes out to the Sanders family!!! God Bless!!!!

Posted by: MiSsiNg FaReLL RiGhT NoW ( I LoV3 YoU) Location: Topeka, Ks on May 1, 2008 at 06:24 PM
Farrell always smiled i seen him the day before someone took his life... I really didnt believe it when people told me but its true i am devestaded i didnt think this could happen to farrell... There is a peace of him still here though and thats good...(i love you to D ma)but when will we know why or how this happened i dont know... i hope the people or person who did this gets what they deserve farrell is still in our hearts i will always love him no matter what... And mom keep hanging in there he's in a happy place... Trey bookie n duke keep yall head up farrell would want yall to keep succeeding/ i shed tears 4 u rell... R.I.P Farrell Sanders aka hell rell... i do and always will love you

Posted by: Steven Babb Location: Topeka on May 1, 2008 at 06:24 PM
Man my boy Farrell gone R.I.P i will miss you cousin ima keep my head up

Posted by: Michelle Location: Topeka on May 1, 2008 at 05:43 PM
To Farrell's Family, My heart goes out to you for your loss. Farrell was a great young man, with a promising future. To those who judge, at least know the facts before assuming anything or at least know the victim of this awful crime. To The community, I agree with the previous post, how many more are going to die before we as a community break the silence and get past the fear to stop this. I have known two out of the four murdered this year and neither of them did anything that deserved for them to die. I will keep Farrell's Family in my prayers and pray for a stop to this violence.

Posted by: anonymous Location: Topeka on May 1, 2008 at 05:37 PM
I would like to give my condolences to the families of the boy and young man that got shot in the last week. Nomatter where you go there will be violence or shootings. I can relate to the shootings only my daughter got killed in a car accident. She was 21. God bless you all.

Posted by: Holley Family Location: Topeka on May 1, 2008 at 04:53 PM
There is a god and justice will be served, Mike, Farrell,and David should all still be here. But because of some trigger-happy miserable soul they are deciding to take fate in their own hands. You know who you are and so do others, and to anyone sitting on this information and saying nothing YOU are just as guilty. Mike, Farrell and David would want you to tell. If you ever have to deal with having a family members life just snatched away like these young men, your family will want someone to stand accountable for these stupid senseless acts. It takes a coward to still the life of someone and run and hide.

Posted by: Anonymous on May 1, 2008 at 04:43 PM
This is my neighborhood this shooting too place just up the street from my house. First of all what is this kid doing out at 2 am in the morning on a school night,both of my high schoolers were sound asleep in bed until they were awakened by gunfire. I have no sympathy for them aro their family "Live by the sword,Die by the sword" if the family cared so much for the young men they should have done more to keep them alive, like, idont know, being more a part of their lives and shoeing them how to be responsible citizens of the community and not dealers and thugs. Sorry if the truth hurts. Mad in High Park.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: topeka on May 1, 2008 at 03:59 PM
fyi...he was not a high school drop out

Posted by: Anonymous Location: topeka on May 1, 2008 at 03:42 PM
When it is a different race being murdered then action will be taken. Or maybe some dogs made to fight and kill each other,the public won't tolerate that. But when it comes to young minorities losing their lives not a damn thing is being done. If you owe a bill they know how to find you.

Posted by: distant yourselves on May 1, 2008 at 03:38 PM
well mad as hell mom --brokenheart--.... it is the life one leads that could result in their demise. i understand your anger i have lost family to violence (guns, drugs, drunk drivers etc) myself but the company our children keep are contributing to the loss of life. Now do not get me wrong I do not know for sure if your son or cousin were involoved in "the life" but streets talk and you are less likely to become a victim of a voilent act if you are not around that mess GOD bless your family and may you have peace but we have to reroute our childrens lives to win this battle but then again there will always be a bad apple tainting the trees!!! I hope you can find peace in your heart and I pray the coward(s) who did these acts will pay...the streets are talking just not to the proper people!!

Posted by: SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS Location: TOPEKA on May 1, 2008 at 03:29 PM
When will the killings stop? And when will half the people who post here learn to spell? im sorry but Topeka has became in to a war zone. i understand it hurts when a freind or lived one is killed, belive me my uncle was killed, we even went to court and the killer didnt do one day in jail. wheres the justice there? but killing the guy who took my uncle from our family wouldnt slove any thing. why do these young kids think that it will. they will get caught sooner or later. just give them time.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Topeka on May 1, 2008 at 03:03 PM
Farrel always had a smile. WHY???

Posted by: Saddened Real Aunt Location: Topeka on May 1, 2008 at 02:56 PM
This is why it takes a village to raise a child. When we see our children going wrong, hook or crook we need to help lead them in the right direction. Michael was raised by a village and all he really needed was his mother to stand up and take responsibility. Its too late and we have to live with our mistakes. The problem is that we need to pray more and stop all this ignorant foolishness.

Posted by: Paula Location: KS on May 1, 2008 at 02:56 PM
What was he doing out at 2am. Shouldn't he of been in bed asleep for school the next day? Kids these days need direction and the teachings of JESUS CHRIST. God Bless this family!

Posted by: Anony. Location: Kansas on May 1, 2008 at 02:49 PM
Its all gang related most likely. I i believe if these people see us "The people" stand up and fight back, thIS stuff will dewindle down. These people killing people just crave the power of control and taking someones life. well let the people take control of the killers and haul them in to stand for there crimes. One or two sissys against thousands. they don't stand a chance! ITS JUST A THOUGHT.

Posted by: Anonymous on May 1, 2008 at 02:34 PM
The killings will stop when the gangs leave the city of Topeka. Time to grow up and get out of the gangs and get a job and live like a normal human being.

Posted by: anon. Location: topeka on May 1, 2008 at 02:24 PM
the stots woke me at ten after two this morning.i live on kentucky.23rd block.it was an intended kill news says 4 to 6 shots i heard what sounded like someone unloaded their gun.i cant even feel safe to let my kids walk home from school the crime in this town needs to stop.

Posted by: Anonymous on May 1, 2008 at 02:05 PM
17 y.o. ????? Must be a H.S. dropout because I would be sound asleep for school the nex day.

Posted by: Small town big crime Location: topeka on May 1, 2008 at 01:30 PM
well we know who killed the previous two victims, still know one has came forward! are these two suspects so big and bad and untouchable that the entire city is under chaos? seems like the life expectancy is 16-25 here for a male. I think when a totally innocent child is caught in the gunfire then police will step up but i guess the latest vitims just are not important enough : (

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Topeka, Ks. on May 1, 2008 at 01:29 PM
To ALL family and friends.. i am so sorry for your loss. && I will pray for you.. God Bless...

Posted by: brokenheart Location: arkansas on May 1, 2008 at 01:05 PM
I WOULD LIKE TO SAY I JUST LOST MY SON(MICHAEL HOLLEY)" AND NOW MY COUSION (DAVID WAKES) THIS STUFF HAS GONE TO FAR YOU ALL WANT TO SAY THE POLICE ARE NOT DOIG THEIR JOBS WILL YOUALL AS A ...... COUMMINTY AREN'T DOING YOURS EATHER YOU WON'T HELP THE POLICE BUT YOU ALL WILL HELP THE KILLES HOW LAME ARE YOU PEOPLE? COME TOGETHER AS A COMMUNITY YOUNG AND OLD MORE SO YOUNG YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE . FROM MAD AS HELL MOM

Posted by: travis Location: topeka on May 1, 2008 at 12:43 PM
no doubt a revenge killing from the murder of a fine citizen on sun. night.

Posted by: anonymous Location: here on May 1, 2008 at 12:11 PM
this is ridiculous. the second shooting this week. I went to school with him. and he would be the last person I would expect to get shot. Ima miss you man.

Posted by: ANGELA on May 1, 2008 at 11:29 AM
THIS IS REALLY GETTING FAR BEYOND CRAZY NOW.. FIRST OFF MY CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY.. IM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOST..YOUR SON HASNT EVEN BEGUN TO LIVE HIS LIFE! I NEED TO HAVE PARENTS TAKE A LOOK AT THE BIGGER PICTURE! START TALKING TO YOUR KIDS. START EDUCATING YOUR CHILD.. AND MAINLY LOCK DOWN YOUR CHILD! DISCIPLINE IS NOT GOING TO HURT YOUR CHILD, THIS PROTECTS YOUR CHILD! THIS HAS ONLY JUST BEGUN. AS WE APPROACH THE SUMMER WE KNOW THIS GETS WORSE.. AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY NEEDS TO STEP UP.. SELF DESTRUCTION ONCE AGAIN!

Posted by: Anonymous on May 1, 2008 at 11:21 AM
when is the killing going to stop???

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