On March 26, 2021, Merrill Rabus, a 54-year-old White man from Wichita, was killed while riding his bicycle near 13th Street North and Oliver Avenue in northeast Wichita. According to reports, a Plymouth van driven by 31-year-old Charity Charmon Blackmon intentionally struck Rabus as he crossed the street. After the collision, Blackmon is said to have exited the vehicle, approached Rabus as he lay on the ground, and fired a single, fatal shot.

Bystanders attempted to render aid and comfort, and emergency crews performed CPR before Rabus was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Witnesses followed the van and provided detailed information to police that led to a quick arrest about 15 minutes later near 14th and Poplar; investigators recovered a handgun believed to be the weapon. Police described the attack as a random act with no known connection between the driver and Rabus.

Does anyone have additional firsthand details about the moments before or after the attack, or about Merrill’s life in Wichita?