Authorities have identified 37-year-old Joseph L. Kaberline as the victim of a fatal shooting that occurred Thursday in Topeka’s Oakland neighborhood. The incident has left the community shaken and sparked a swift police response.
According to Shawnee County District Attorney Mike Kagay, 28-year-old Dalton W. Thompson has been charged in connection with the deadly shooting. Kaberline and Thompson were reportedly known to each other prior to the incident.
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Thompson faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder (premeditated), attempted first-degree murder (premeditated), and aggravated battery.
Police were called at approximately 4:45 p.m. on September 4 to the 1000 block of Northeast Poplar Street following reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, officers discovered two men with life-threatening gunshot wounds. Kaberline was pronounced dead at the scene, while the second victim was transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.
Later that day, Thompson was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on a $1,000,000 bond.
District Attorney Kagay stressed that the charges are allegations at this stage, reminding the public: “The charges are allegations of criminal conduct only. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.”
Authorities continue to investigate the incident and are urging anyone with information to contact the Topeka Police Department at telltpd@topeka.org
or anonymously through Shawnee County Crime Stoppers at 785-234-0007.
The tragic shooting has left the Oakland neighborhood grappling with loss and concern, as community leaders call for vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement.