A fatal shooting on October 14, 2023, in Topeka, Kansas, left 4-year-old Lawrencia Perez-Belair dead after suffering a gunshot wound. Officers responding to a report of a shooting at a home in the 400 block of Northeast Grattan Street found the child critically injured; she was taken to a local hospital where she died.

Investigators identified those involved quickly. The next day authorities arrested 24-year-old Mariann L. Belair, the child’s mother, and charged her with first-degree murder and aggravated endangering of a child. Prosecutors say a loaded 9mm handgun had been left on a couch within reach of the children; while the mother was distracted, a two-year-old son picked up the gun and shot Lawrencia. Prosecutors also presented evidence of methamphetamine being present and sold at the residence.

A judge set bond at one million dollars. If anyone knew Lawrencia or has information about what happened that day, please come forward.