Man connected to deadly Topeka shootings sentenced to nearly 80 years in prison
TOPEKA (KSNT) - A man guilty of numerous crimes including murder in several Topeka investigations received his sentence Friday.
The Shawnee County District Attorney's Office announced in a press release on April 5 that Jihad A. Keys was sentenced to 77.5 years in prison without the possibility of parole until 50 years have been served.
Shawnee County DA's Office spokeswoman Katie Garceran says Keys was charged in connection to multiple crimes running from 2017 to 2019.
Police were called on April 23, 2017 to an address in the 1500 block of SW 15th Street on reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers found Matthew Lowry and Steven Ferris in a parking lot suffering from gunshot wounds. Lowry died of his injuries with Ferris telling police the pair were robbed before they were shot.
Police were also called on March 16, 2019 to the 1100 block of SW Hillsdale on reports of another shooting. There, officers found Robert James suffering from several gunshot wounds. He later died of his injuries.
A third incident was reported on July 13, 2019 when law enforcement responded to the 1500 block of SW 16th Street on reports of another shooting. Police found Keyton Hill suffering from multiple gunshot injuries and took him to a local hospital for treatment.
"In relation to Count 7, Murder in the 1st Degree for the death of Matthew Lowry, Keys was
Shawnee County DA spokeswoman Katie Garceran
sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole until 50 years have been served. For
Count 11, Murder in the 2nd Degree for the death of Robert James, he was sentenced to 272
months. This will run consecutive to Counts 7 and 4. For Count 4, Attempted Murder in the 2nd
Degree for the attempted murder of Keyton Hill, Keys was sentenced to 59 months. This will
also run consecutive to Counts 7 and 11. The remainder of the counts will run concurrent."
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