Parsons Police Respond to Murder-Suicide

     At approximately 10:42 PM on Sunday, a report was received about possible shots fired in the 1700 block of Chess. A Suspect was quickly identified as Zachary Castorena of Parsons, he had fled the scene by the time Officers arrived. A male, Joshua Bode, was found in the 1700 block of Chess with two gunshot wounds to his face. Bode was transported by EMS and was flown to the KU Medical Center. The last update that law enforcement had was that he was still in critical condition.

     As Officers were searching for Castorena, a call was received by the Parsons Dispatch Center from Castorena at 10:49 PM.  The suspect was threatening suicide and stated that he would also kill his daughter. It was believed that the daughter was possibly with the Suspect who had barricaded himself inside his residence in the 3100 Block of Corning Ave. Shortly after 10:50 PM, Officers established a perimeter and attempted to negotiate with the suspect via loudspeaker.

     Fearing for the young child's safety, two Officers made an emergency entry into the house and found that the Suspect had already shot his 7-year-old daughter in the head and that he had also shot himself. An Officer scooped up the critically wounded child and made an emergency transport to the Labette Health Emergency Department. The child was life flighted to Springfield, MO, but succumbed to her wounds at 3:18 AM this morning. The Suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.

     Labette Mental Health and Police Chaplain Steve Schultze responded to provide support. Crisis Counselors are being organized by Mental Health for the Schools this morning.

This continues to be an on-going investigation and citizens are encouraged to "See It, Hear It, Report It." If anyone has any further information on this incident or any other criminal activity, please contact the Parsons Police Department at 421-7060 or call the Tip Line at 421-7057 or email at tips@parsonspd.com.

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