DERBY, Kan. (July 30, 2025) — A 49-year-old grandmother was fatally shot late Wednesday night at a mobile home park near Derby, Kansas, after she called 911 to report threats from a family member.
Sharmaine Marlene Burke contacted emergency dispatchers around 11:32 p.m., stating that her son-in-law was intoxicated, threatening to kill her, and that her 8-year-old grandson was present in the home. Dispatchers remained on the line when they heard three gunshots before the call abruptly ended.
Deputies responded within minutes and discovered Burke with gunshot wounds. Despite life-saving efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities later identified the suspect as 29-year-old Stephen J. Rogers. Surveillance technology helped law enforcement track his vehicle, and he was taken into custody shortly after midnight in neighboring Butler County. The child was found unharmed and placed into protective custody.
Investigators say Burke had been caring for her grandson since the death of her daughter a year earlier. With Burke’s death, the boy is now without immediate family.
Rogers has been charged with first-degree murder and aggravated child endangerment. He remains in custody as the investigation continues.
Source headlines:
Sherriff’s Office Investigating Murder at Longbranch Mobile Home Park
Derby Grandmother Shot and Killed in Front of 8-Year-Old Grandson
Grandmother Fatally Shot, Leaving 8-Year-Old Grandson
GoFundMe for Sharmaine Burke
Sharmaine Burke – GunMemorial
Find archived black-on-white homicide news reports here ►
200 latest news reports from 100 top conservative websites