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Updated: 10:49 AM Dec 29, 2009
Burlingame Slaying Suspect Held On Several Charges
Authorities say three people are dead and one is in critical condition following a shooting in Burlingame on Saturday and that the suspect was caught early Sunday morning.
Posted: 8:44 AM Nov 29, 2009Reporter: 13 News |
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Burlingame, Kan. (WIBW) - The man authorities believe shot and killed three people in Burlingame on Saturday appeared in Osage Co. District court Monday morning, and now faces multiple murder charges and a ten million dollar cash bond.
James Kraig Kahler is suspected of shooting and killing his ex-wife, 44-year-old Karen Kahler, and his two daughters, 18-year-old Emily and 16-year-old Lauren Kahler. Authorities say wight was also shot during the incident. She was in critical condition after the shooting.
He also faces one count of aggravated burglary and one count of attempted first degree murder of Dorothy Wight. Kahler will be defended by the Death Penalty Defense Unit from Topeka. The prosecution of the case has been handed over to the Attorney General's Office.
Authorities say the shooting happened around 6 p.m. Saturday at 905 South Topeka Avenue. They say one person was pronounced dead at the scene and that the other two died after they were taken to Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka.
Shawnee County dispatchers say the suspect, Kahler was apprehended early Sunday morning around 112th and Auburn Road in Shawnee County. According to police, they returned to a wooded area near where Kahler was found to search for a gun that may have been used in the shooting.
The Columbia Daily Tribune reported in March 2008 that a man with the same name and age as the shooting suspect was the director of Columbia Water and Light Department. The Columbia Daily Tribune also reports James Kahler was arrested for suspicion of third-degree domestic assault. The newspaper also reports his wife, Karen sought a court order of protection and that the two discussed divorce. Kahler was released from the Boone County Jail after posting bond. The newspaper also reports that Kahler was asked to resign because of ongoing “difficult family issues.”
LeeAnn Smiley, a neighbor who lives near where the shooting happened says the homeowner was elderly. Another neighbor tells us that the homeowner, Dorothy Wight, had family over for Thanksgiving.
Formal charges against Kahler will be filed on Monday morning. Kahler's first court appearance is on Monday at Osage County District Court.
Anyone with information on the shooting should call Osage County CrimeStoppers at 1-877-OS-CRIME.
Latest Comments
Tuesday evening news suggested that counseling will provide answers and help when it comes to domestic abuse. Let me tell you, as a survivor of abuse, all the counseling doesn't do any good when the abuser denies everything and is able to convince others he is doing nothing wrong. I'm just glad I was able to escape with my children and am free of him. But the memories are still as clear as if it happened yesterday. There really isn't enough help out there for victims and their children and it shouldn't be suggested that there is HELP out there, you just have to ask. It isn't, believe me. I feel sad that Karen was not as lucky as I was. Instead of talking to administrators, talk with the survivors, they'll give you the true facts. Restraining orders are a joke and provide no security. That piece of paper isn't the slightly bit scary to a man that beats on women and small children!
Makes you wonder what good is a restraining order? At what point will it take to protect people before something like this happens? These type of things happen way too often and shouldn't happen at all. The cops say they will do something after something happens...A lot of good that did for these people.
This is so sad. I feel so sorry for the 10 year old boy. He has lost his mother, 2 sisters & now his dad is in jail. So unfair! He needs lots of prayers
