Investigation Continues in Fatal Shooting; No Arrest Made
KBI expects to submit case findings to prosecutor within 30 days
MCPHERSON COUNTY — The Kansas Bureau of Investigation expects to submit its case findings to the McPherson County Attorney's Office within approximately 30 days in the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Joshua Soden.
The 18-year-old involved in the shooting called 911 to report the January 31 incident, then drove himself to the Inman Police Department where he was questioned and released. According to KBI, the shooting occurred around 2 a.m. after a disagreement at a house party southwest of Inman. Two groups left in separate trucks and met on a rural road about two miles away, where a physical altercation broke out between Soden and the 18-year-old. During the fight, Soden was shot and killed.
When asked whether investigators are considering the shooting under Kansas's self-defense immunity framework or whether any conditions have been imposed on the 18-year-old, KBI Communications Director Melissa Underwood directed those questions to the McPherson County Attorney's Office. "It will be within the prosecutor's authority to determine which laws are applicable and used to determine if a person will be criminally charged," Underwood wrote. McPherson County Attorney Jennifer Wyatt's office declined to comment on the active investigation.
Under Kansas law, individuals who use force in self-defense may be immune from prosecution under K.S.A. 21-5231. The statute requires law enforcement to conduct standard investigations but prohibits arrest unless there is probable cause to believe the use of force was not justified. If a defendant claims self-defense immunity, prosecutors must prove probable cause that the force was unjustified before the case can proceed to trial. Officials have not stated whether self-defense has been claimed in this case. The 18-year-old has not been arrested.
An autopsy was conducted February 2, but final results including toxicology will take six to twelve weeks. KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team have documented the crime scene, obtained evidence, and conducted multiple witness interviews. Digital evidence is still being examined.
A GoFundMe has been established to help Soden's family with funeral costs and memorial expenses.
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