No charges for officers in shooting of Haysville man
Share this @internewscast.com

Editor’s note: This story talks about suicide and may be provoking for some viewers/readers.

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — The Sedgwick County district attorney does not plan to file charges against two officers who shot and killed a suicidal man last year.

On Tuesday, District Attorney Marc Bennett released his review of the death of Bill Osterhout, who was shot and killed in Haysville on March 26, 2024.

Two days before the shooting, the 68-year-old man argued with his girlfriend. Haysville police officers were sent to investigate a possible domestic violence situation. Officers said that neither party reported physical violence. The officers filed a report.

On March 26, the girlfriend called 911 to report that Osterhout was possibly suicidal based on a string of text messages she had received from him.

The Haysville Police Department began looking for him and found him sitting in his pickup in front of the Main Street Liquor Store.

An officer began talking to him. Osterhout said he was not suicidal and did not have a gun. But another officer saw a gun between his thighs and notified the other officers on the scene.

Police asked Osterhout to give up his gun. He refused and began pointing it at his own head. The district attorney’s report includes photos from police body cameras showing Osterhout pointing the gun at himself.

The officers pleaded with him not to hurt himself. Osterhout told the officers to shoot him.

One person was killed after a shooting in the 200 block of N. Main St. in Haysville on March 26, 2024 (KSN Photo)

At some point, Osterhout began to turn the gun toward an officer, and two other officers opened fire. Each officer fired 11 shots. Osterhout was hit 12 times. He died at the scene.

One person was killed after a shooting in the 200 block of N. Main St. in Haysville on March 26, 2024 (KSN Photo)

The district attorney’s review included interviews with witnesses and the officers. The interviews were conducted by the Sedwick County Sheriff’s Office and the Wichita Police Department. The investigation also included a review of body camera footage and surveillance video.

“Mr. Osterhout yelled at the police to shoot him and ultimately directed his weapon towards Officers 1 and 3 who were at the passenger door, prompting Officer 3 and Officer 2 to fire at Mr. Osterhout, resulting in his death,” Bennett wrote in his review. “Under the totality of the circumstances, Officers 2 and 3 are clearly immune from prosecution under Kansas law.”


If you or someone you know needs help, there are resources available. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available any time of day or night. Just call 988. To learn more about the NAMI Peer-to-Peer program and other resources in our community, click here.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Unwrapping Joy: How Acts of Kindness Boost Wellbeing During the Holidays and Year-Round

WASHINGTON – As the holiday season approaches, it’s not only a time…

Venezuelan President Maduro’s Complex Strategy: Balancing Loyalty and Punishment

CARACAS – In a surprising twist of attitude, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro,…

Honduras Prepares for Tight Presidential Race Amid Unexpected Trump Influence

TEGUCIGALPA – As Honduras approaches its presidential election this Sunday, the nation…

Exciting Rivalry Week Showdowns Could Shake Up AP Top 25 Rankings

The closing week of the college football regular season saw traditional rivals…

Community Concerns Grow as National Guard Attack Suspect Battled ‘Dark Isolation

The Afghan national accused of the recent shooting of two National Guard…

Experience the Magic: Johnson City’s Candyland Christmas Trees Illuminate the Holiday Season

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — On Saturday evening, the heart of Johnson…

Cyber Monday 2023 Poised for Record-Breaking Sales Amid Economic Challenges

NEW YORK – As the holiday shopping frenzy reaches its climax on…

Spectacular Christmas Light Shows Illuminate Johnson City & Gray: A Festive Must-See!

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — The holiday season is officially lighting up…

Trump Commutes Sentence of David Gentile: Former Private Equity Executive Gains Freedom

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – In a notable move, President Donald Trump has…

Two Lanes Shut Down After I-81 North Accident in Bristol

A multi-vehicle accident has resulted in the closure of lanes on Interstate…

Trump’s Pardon Pledge Could Change Fate of Honduras’ Former Leader in Prison

TEGUCIGALPA – Juan Orlando Hernández, the former leader of Honduras, once a…

West Virginia High School Honors Beloved National Guard Member Known for Selflessness

Over the weekend, a community gathered at a high school in West…