Rickey Beans, 44, was found dead inside a residence in the 5200 block of West 8th Street North in Wichita on January 1, 2023, after a friend called 911 that afternoon believing he was inside and unresponsive. Fire crews pronounced him deceased; responding detectives noted gunshot wounds and say an altercation broke out during an early-morning New Year’s Day gathering at the home and Beans was shot amid that conflict.

Investigators have emphasized the timeline of the crowded house and are asking the public for tips that might clarify what happened and who pulled the trigger. As of the department’s public advisory several days after the killing, no arrests had been announced and the case—listed under number 23C000168—remained open.

If anyone was at the gathering or has information about the altercation or possible suspects, please contact investigators or Crime Stoppers.