Authorities are investigating a homicide after a woman was fatally shot Friday night in Hutchinson.
According to the Hutchinson Police Department, officers were dispatched at approximately 8:19 p.m. on Feb. 20, 2026, to the 800 block of West 4th Avenue in reference to a reported shooting.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult female, later identified as 37-year-old Lacy D. Nelson of Hutchinson, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Officers immediately began rendering first aid until Reno County EMS arrived. Nelson was transported to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, where she later succumbed to her injuries.
During the course of the investigation, 49-year-old Curtis E. Richardson of Hutchinson was identified as a person of interest. At approximately 9:17 p.m., a statewide BOLO (Be On the Lookout) was issued for Richardson.
The following morning, around 7 a.m. on Feb. 21, the Pratt County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to Preston, Kansas, for a reported robbery. A resident reported that a male suspect had forced entry into her home and stolen her vehicle.
While responding, a deputy located the stolen vehicle traveling southbound on K-61 Highway in Pratt County. When the deputy attempted a traffic stop, the driver — later identified as Richardson — refused to stop, leading to a vehicle pursuit. The pursuit ended when the vehicle left the roadway and became stuck in a field near NE 30th Avenue and NE 20th Street.
The Pratt County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team responded to the scene. Authorities said Richardson refused repeated commands to exit the vehicle. Less-lethal tactics were deployed in an effort to gain compliance. Richardson was later found inside the vehicle with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Pratt County EMS initiated lifesaving measures before transporting Richardson to Pratt Regional Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries.
The case remains an active investigation. At this time, officials say there are no additional persons of interest.
Authorities expressed appreciation to assisting agencies, including the Reno County Sheriff’s Office, South Hutchinson Police Department, Kansas Highway Patrol, Pratt Police Department, 911 Hutchinson-Reno County Emergency Communications, Reno County EMS, Pratt County EMS, and the Hutchinson Fire Department.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Hutchinson Police Department at 620-694-2816, their local law enforcement agency, or Crime Stoppers of Reno County at 800-222-TIPS. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through the P3Tips app or by texting RENOKS to 738477. Please reference case number 2026-7756.
