On the night of April 4, 2020, D’Angelo L. Payne, 28, was found inside a vehicle near S.W. 5th and Western Ave in central Topeka with a fatal gunshot wound to the head. Officers had responded to reports of gunfire and a vehicle crash; Payne was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators executed search warrants within days and identified several people connected to the shooting. Prosecutors said the killing grew out of personal grievances: two cousins who resented Payne’s relationship with a woman and felt he had disrespected their family were central to the case.

Three men were held responsible. James D. Boatwright was convicted of premeditated first-degree murder, conspiracy, and criminal discharge of a firearm and received a Hard 50 life term (no parole for 50 years). Davontra L. Alston was convicted of first-degree murder and related crimes and given life with no parole for at least 51½ years. Diquan D. Clayton pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and was sentenced to life with parole eligibility after 25 years.

If anyone has information about Payne or the events that led to his death, please share what you know.