Topeka Man Formally Charged in 2022 Homicide

Kayden Smith, 22, of Topeka, has been arrested and formally charged with second-degree murder for the April 2022 shooting death of Dustin Clayton. Smith was initially arrested in May 2022 for first-degree murder, but no formal charges were filed at that time. A renewed investigation led to his arrest on June 2, 2025, with the Shawnee County Sheriff's Office assisting. The current charge alleges intentional but not premeditated homicide, as defined by Kansas law. Separately, Topeka Police are investigating a June 3, 2025, shooting near downtown, the city’s eighth homicide investigation of the year. Authorities continue to seek public assistance in both cases.