On January 6, 2023, firefighters responding to a house fire on West Second Street in Wichita, Kansas, found the body of 69-year-old Mike Epperson in his heavily damaged home. Early impressions that he had died in the blaze changed after an autopsy revealed a gunshot wound to his upper body; his death was ruled a homicide and the Wichita Police Department opened a murder investigation.

Mike, also known as Michael Epperson Sr., was remembered by family and neighbors as a friendly, open man and a talented guitarist who often sat on his porch with a book and his instrument. The fire destroyed many personal items, including instruments and family photos; his son Michael Epperson Jr. traveled from Florida to recover what he could. The boarded-up house was later burglarized more than once, with thieves taking some of the few remaining valuables.

No suspects or arrests have been announced and the motive is unknown. If anyone knew Mike or has information about who might have shot him, please share what you know with Wichita police.