A tragic shooting in Kansas has claimed the life of a 25-year-old Marine veteran, who was reportedly trying to end her relationship. The victim, Ivy Unruh, was allegedly killed by her estranged husband.
According to police reports, Ivy Unruh succumbed to her injuries on April 20, after being shot a few days earlier near her apartment in the northeast area of Wichita.
Her husband, 29-year-old Joshua Orlando, faces charges of premeditated first-degree murder, as documented in court records. Currently held on a $1.5 million bond, Orlando appeared in court for the first time, with a preliminary hearing set for May 5.
Authorities disclosed that Unruh was shot on the morning of April 17 and was immediately transported to a hospital in critical condition, where she ultimately passed away. Orlando was apprehended shortly after the incident. The case is being treated as a domestic violence-related homicide.
Joshua Orlando, who has been charged with the murder of his estranged wife, Ivy Unruh, is currently in custody. (Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office)
Police noted that there were no previous domestic violence reports involving the couple in Wichita. Investigators confirmed that Unruh had filed for divorce in August 2025 and had already separated from Orlando. The couple had previously resided in Marion, Kansas.
The U.S. Marine Corps confirmed Unruh served from November 2020 to November 2024, rising to the rank of sergeant. She worked as a satellite transmission system operator and was awarded the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
She deployed to Australia in 2023 as part of Marine Rotational Forces – Darwin, and her last duty assignment was with Marine Wing Communications Squadron 38 at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in California, according to the Marine Corps.
Unruh later worked as a broadcast engineer at PBS Kansas, according to her LinkedIn profile.
Colleagues at PBS Kansas were stunned by the news. Station president Victor Hogstrom described the moment he learned what happened as shocking and difficult to process, telling KAKE News his initial reaction was one of disbelief. He remembered Unruh as a driven, reliable team member who was well-liked and respected by those she worked with, adding that she is deeply missed, according to the outlet.
Ivy Unruh, seen in an undated photo, during her time in the United States Marine Corps. (GoFundMe)
An undated photo of Ivy Unruh, who was killed in an alleged Wichita domestic violence case. (GoFundMe)
Even after her death, Unruh continued to serve others. Her family said in a GoFundMe post that she was an organ donor who saved six lives—”six pieces of her that will live on.”
“Six humans that still have life and get to go home to their families because of her,” they wrote.
Veterans line a hospital hallway during an honor walk for Marine veteran Ivy Unruh. (Victor Buckner Facebook)
Members of the veteran community also honored her final act of service. An American Legion post in Mulvane, Kansas, held an honor walk as Unruh was taken to donate her organs, recognizing her as a former Marine.
Loved ones say they also hope her story raises awareness about the dangers of domestic violence.
Ivy Unruh is remembered by family as a strong and courageous Marine veteran. (GoFundMe)
Wichita police spokesperson Kris Gupilan urged anyone experiencing abuse to seek help, saying in comments reported by KAKE News, “If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please know that resources are available and you are not alone. Help is available.”
The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 800-799-7233.
Fox News Digital has reached out to PBS Kansas and the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office for additional comment.
