Donald L. Woolridge, an 81-year-old Black/African American pastor from Florence, Arizona, was shot and killed in Topeka, Kansas on the evening of October 24, 2022. The Topeka Police Department says the shooting occurred just after 7:30 p.m. in the 3300 block of SE Fremont St. Officers found Woolridge had succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

Authorities took one person into custody for questioning during the investigation but that individual was released and no arrests have been announced. Law enforcement has said they are considering the possibility of self-defense and detectives continue to gather evidence.

Woolridge’s family, neighbors and church members described him as a kind, people-loving pastor who often traveled to Topeka to support a family member facing legal issues. His wife of more than four decades said his violent death was completely unexpected. Does anyone who knew Pastor Woolridge or was in the area that evening have information that could help investigators?