Matthew Lamont Gladney, 28, was fatally shot on the night of December 26, 2016, in the 500 block of SW Clay Street in Topeka. Officers responded to reports of gunfire just before midnight and found Gladney with gunshot wounds; he was taken to a nearby hospital and later died. His death was counted as Topeka’s 22nd homicide of the year.

Born in Milwaukee on December 29, 1987, Gladney worked as a cook in the Topeka area and was remembered by family and friends as laid-back with an infectious smile. He enjoyed rapping with his uncle, playing video games, and spending time with his daughter, Winter.

Detectives interviewed several people and indicated a narrative emerged that the shooting may have been an act of self-defense. The case was forwarded to the Shawnee County District Attorney for review; no arrests were announced and no charges were filed at that time.

If anyone has information about what happened that night, please share tips with the Topeka Police Department.