HUTCHINSON, Kan. – **Updated Media Release – Homicide 1st Degree**
On February 20th, 2026, at approximately 8:19 P.M., officers with the Hutchinson Police Department were dispatched to the 800 block of West 4th Avenue in reference to a reported shooting.
When they arrived, officers located an adult female, later identified as Lacy D Nelson, age 37 of Hutchinson, with multiple gunshot wounds. Officers immediately began rendering first aid until Reno County EMS arrived on scene. Ms. Nelson was transported by ambulance to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, where she later succumbed to her injuries.
During the investigation, Curtis E Richardson, age 49 of Hutchinson, was identified as a person of interest. On February 20th, 2026, at 9:17 P.M., a statewide BOLO was issued for Mr. Richardson.
On February 21st, 2026, at approximately 0700 hours, Pratt County Kansas Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to Preston, Kansas, in reference to a reported robbery. The victim reported that a male forced entry into her residence and took her vehicle without permission
While en route, a Pratt County Sheriff’s Office deputy located the reported stolen vehicle traveling southbound on K61 Highway in Pratt County. The deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop; however, the driver, later identified as Mr. Richardson, refused to stop, and a vehicle pursuit ensued. During the pursuit, the stolen vehicle left the roadway and drove into a field near NE 30th Avenue and NE 20th Street in Pratt County, where it became stuck. The Pratt County Sheriff’s Office deputy maintained scene security until additional units arrived.
The Pratt County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team (SRT) responded to the scene. Mr. Richardson refused to exit his vehicle despite multiple clear commands from the Pratt County Sheriff’s Office and continued efforts by the SRT negotiator. While he remained inside the vehicle, less-lethal tactics were deployed in an effort to gain compliance. Mr. Richardson was later located inside the vehicle with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Pratt County EMS initiated lifesaving measures. Mr. Richardson was transported by ambulance to Pratt Regional Medical Center, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
This is still an active investigation. As of this media release, there are no additional persons of interest.
We would like to thank the following agencies for their assistance in this investigation: Reno County Sheriff’s Office, South Hutchinson Police Department, Kansas Highway Patrol, Pratt County Sheriff’s Office, Pratt Police Department, 911 Hutchinson-Reno County Emergency Communications, Reno County EMS, Pratt County EMS and the Hutchinson Fire Department.
If you have information regarding this incident, please contact the Hutchinson Police Department at 620-694-2816, your local law enforcement agency, or Crime Stoppers of Reno County at 800-222-TIPS. You can also use the P3Tips App on your smartphone, or text RENOKS to 738477 to receive a link to an anonymous tip form. (Msg frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Text HELP for help and STOP to cancel. P3 Terms and Privacy Policy.)
Please reference case number 2026-7756.
HUTCHINSON, Kan. – On February 20th, 2026, at approximately 8:19 P.M., officers with the Hutchinson Police Department were dispatched to the 800 block of West 4th Avenue in reference to a reported shooting.
When they arrived, officers located an adult female with multiple gunshot wounds. Officers immediately began rendering first aid until Reno County EMS arrived on scene. The victim was then transported by ambulance to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center.
This is an active investigation. Additional information will be released as it becomes available and when it can be confirmed without compromising the investigation.
If you have information regarding this incident, please contact the Hutchinson Police Department at 620-694-2816, your local law enforcement agency, or Crime Stoppers of Reno County at 800-222-TIPS. You can also use the P3Tips App on your smartphone, or text RENOKS to 738477 to receive a link to an anonymous tip form. (Msg frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Text HELP for help and STOP to cancel. P3 Terms and Privacy Policy.)
Please reference case number 2026-7756
