Search fatalities

James Lightfoot

Gender : Male

Age : 38

Race : White

Date : 06/22/2024

Location : Marion Reservoir

City : Newton

County : Sedgwick

State : Kansas

Agency : Newton Police Department

Officer(s) :Not Disclosed

Cause of Death : Gunshot

Event : Suicide under police duress.

OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :

On June 22, 2024, at approximately 1:00 a.m., a Newton Police Department officer attempted to stop a vehicle driven by 38-year-old James Lightfoot in Newton, Kansas, due to a malfunctioning headlight. Instead of stopping, Lightfoot fled northbound on Interstate 135, leading officers on a pursuit that continued into Marion County. At around 1:40 a.m., Newton officers lost sight of Lightfoot's vehicle near 230th and Diamond Roads. Marion County deputies also discontinued their search in the same vicinity.
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On June 24, a resident reported a silver Dodge truck partially submerged in a pond near 240th and Kanza Roads, close to Marion Reservoir. Deputies identified the vehicle as Lightfoot's 2005 Dodge Ram 1500. A search that evening, including the use of a Kansas Highway Patrol aircraft equipped with infrared technology, failed to locate Lightfoot.
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On June 26, the Sedgwick County K-9 Cadaver Team joined the search. At approximately 10:35 a.m., a cadaver dog led searchers to Lightfoot's body, located several hundred yards southeast of his truck in a heavily wooded area. Marion County Coroner Don Hodson reported that Lightfoot died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. A .380 ACP handgun was found under his left hand.
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The Kansas Bureau of Investigation was notified and conducted a scene investigation and body recovery. Authorities found no signs of foul play.
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Total Fatalities/Injuries During This Incident: 1 fatality (James Lightfoot); no officers or other individuals were injured.
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Last Update: December 8, 2024

SOURCE LINKS :

https://www.marionrecord.com/direct/chase_over_headlight_ends_in_suicide%2B5542chase%2B4368617365206f76657220686561646c6967687420656e647320696e2073756963696465
https://www.marionrecord.com/direct/body_found_two_days_after_pickup_discovered_in_pond%2B5541pond%2B426f647920666f756e642074776f2064617973206166746572207069636b757020646973636f766572656420696e20706f6e64
https://www.ksn.com/news/local/body-pickup-truck-of-missing-wichita-man-found-in-marion-county/
https://www.echovita.com/us/obituaries/ks/wichita/james-lightfoot-18273551