Vigil set in Central Topeka for domestic violence victim

TOPEKA (KSNT) - Friends are planning a candlelight vigil to celebrate the life of a Topeka woman who died after a domestic violence incident.

Friends of 38-year-old Dedra L. Simmons, of Topeka are hosting a candlelight vigil celebrating her life. The vigil will be at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 20 at the corner of Southwest 13th Street and Southwest Western Avenue. Creators of the event say all who want to remember her are invited to the balloon release and candlelight vigil.

Community members are encouraged to wear purple, as the color represents domestic violence awareness. According to the event, Simmons leaves behind her mother, sister, three sons and two granddaughters.

Topeka police say Simmons' death is the 10th homicide in Topeka in 2024. Around 6 a.m. Friday, July 19, Topeka police responded to a domestic disturbance call in the 1300 block of Southwest Western Avenue. When officers arrived, they found Simmons suffering from life-threatening injuries. She was taken to a local hospital and later died.

Topeka police transported 32-year-old Demetris Gadson to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on the following charges:

• Murder in the 2nd degree
• Attempted murder in the 2nd degree
• Aggravated domestic battery
• Cruelty to animals

The investigation into this incident is ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this investigation is encouraged to email telltpd@topeka.org or contact the Topeka Police Criminal Investigation Bureau at 785-368-9400. Anonymous tips can be made by calling Shawnee County Crime Stoppers at 785-234-0007. You can also make anonymous tips online.

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