Aidan Knowles, 18, was killed in a shooting just after 1:50 a.m. on Saturday, January 17, 2026, outside the Jayhawk Cafe in Lawrence, Kansas, a popular spot near the University of Kansas campus. He was with a close friend, 16-year-old Brady Clark, who was critically injured and taken to hospital; first responders pronounced Knowles dead at the scene. Family members said Knowles was an innocent bystander.

Lawrence police say witness statements led officers to identify and arrest two suspects a few blocks from the cafe. Eighteen-year-old Daitron Lamont Daniels Strickland of Shawnee and 18-year-old Caiden Carl Ralph Clem of Atchison were booked into the Douglas County jail on $1 million bonds. Charges listed include second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder for Strickland, and first-degree murder and two counts of aggravated assault for Clem. Both made their initial court appearances and the investigation remains ongoing.

A GoFundMe page was set up to help with funeral expenses and the community has shown support for the families. If anyone was at the Jayhawk Cafe that night or has information about what happened, please come forward.