Topekan arrested for first-degree murder in motorcycle wreck

Victim identified as 53-year-old Topeka man
Topeka Police have arrested a Topeka man for first-degree murder after a motorcycle wreck left one person dead early Sunday.
Published: May. 15, 2022 at 6:46 PM CDT
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TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - Topeka Police have arrested a Topeka man for first-degree murder after a motorcycle wreck left one person dead early Sunday.

Officers responded to reports of a motorcycle vs. vehicle wreck at SE 6th Street and SE Chandler St. just before 3:20 a.m. Sunday.

One person was found dead in the road when officers arrived. The TPD Accident Reconstruction Team then conducted an investigation.

As a result, Geovany Arellano, 23 of Topeka, was arrested on three charges including first-degree murder, aggravated assault, and reckless driving.

Late Monday afternoon the Topeka Police Dept. identified the victim as Sam Rice, 53, of Topeka. The Topeka Police Dept. has declined to provide any other information regarding the incident, including if anyone remained at the scene following the accident, which vehicle the victim was in or on, and specifics of other drivers and/or passengers involved. Police was able to confirm with 13 NEWS that Rice was on the motorcycle.

Arellano is being held on $1 million bond, however, is not allowed to bond out because of a previous bond violation in a separate aggravated child endangerment and domestic battery case. Officials say he had a docket hearing for said case later this week.

Anyone with information regarding is asked to email telltpd@topeka.org or contact the Topeka Police Criminal Investigation Bureau at (785)368-9400. Anonymous tips can be made by calling Shawnee County Crime Stoppers at (785) 234-0007, or online here.

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