Kansas Woman Fatally Shot by Son-in-Law in Presence of Grandchild: Community Reeling After Domestic Tragedy

DERBY, KANSAS — In an incident that has left a family shattered and a community stunned, 49-year-old Sharmaine Burke was shot and killed by her son-in-law, allegedly in the presence of her young grandson, on the night of Wednesday, July 31, 2025, just hours before she would have turned 50.

The fatal shooting occurred at Burke’s home on East 47th Street South, a quiet neighborhood in Derby. According to law enforcement, the suspect fled the scene with his child, triggering a rapid and coordinated police response that led to his arrest within hours.

Pleading for Help, Silenced by Gunfire

At approximately 11:30 p.m., Sharmaine Burke placed a distressing 911 call, urgently telling the dispatcher that her son-in-law was threatening her with a gun. According to Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeff Easter, dispatchers could hear three gunshots ring out before the line went silent.

Responding deputies arrived moments later and discovered Burke had been shot in the head. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Her 8-year-old grandson, who was in the home at the time, was missing — taken by the suspect during his escape.

Manhunt Ends in Arrest; Child Rescued

The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Stephen Rogers, was quickly located by law enforcement after an all-points bulletin was issued across the region. A Butler County deputy spotted Rogers’ vehicle on U.S. Route 54 near Haverhill Road and initiated a stop.

After initially refusing to exit the car, Rogers ultimately surrendered peacefully. His son, who had witnessed the shooting, was found inside the vehicle — physically unharmed but visibly shaken.

Rogers was arrested and booked into the Sedgwick County Jail, where he remains held on charges including first-degree murder and child endangerment. The child is now in protective custody while authorities work with the Department of Children and Families to determine a safe, long-term living situation.

A Tragedy Within a Tragedy

What deepens the heartbreak, according to community members and family friends, is that the young boy had already suffered the loss of his mother, who died about a year ago. Since then, Sharmaine Burke had stepped into the role of primary caregiver, providing love, stability, and guidance.

“This little boy has now lost both parents and his grandmother in just over a year,” said neighbor Lila Aimes, fighting back tears. “What kind of trauma will this child carry? It’s devastating.”

Aimes added that Burke had been a warm, welcoming presence since moving into the neighborhood. “She was the kind of woman who’d wave from her porch and always ask how you were doing. Just a beautiful soul.”

Sheriff Condemns Escalating Gun Violence

At a press conference the following morning, Sheriff Easter expressed his sorrow and anger over the incident.

“We are once again left asking why — why does gun violence continue to devastate our communities, especially in cases involving children?” Easter stated. “This wasn’t just a shooting. It was a murder that left a young child without his anchor, without his family.”

Easter called on Kansas lawmakers and community leaders to address the rise in domestic violence-related gun incidents and provide more support to families in crisis.

Legal Proceedings Underway

Rogers is currently being held without bond. Prosecutors are expected to file formal charges in the coming days, and authorities have not ruled out additional counts given the presence of a minor witness.

This case, already horrifying in its own right, has reignited conversations about mental health, family trauma, and gun access in domestic settings.

The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office has encouraged anyone with additional information to come forward.

In Loving Memory of Sharmaine Burke

Family members describe Sharmaine as a loving grandmother, a devoted mother, and someone who always put the needs of others before her own. She had been working tirelessly to raise her grandson in the aftermath of her daughter’s death.

“She was doing everything she could for that boy,” said a family friend. “She was all he had left.”

A memorial fund is being organized by local community members to support the boy’s long-term care. Plans for a public vigil and celebration of life will be announced soon.