One Injured, Four Arrested in Early Morning Shooting at Maple Tree Apartments in Girard
Authorities in Crawford County are actively investigating a shooting that unfolded in the early morning hours of Sunday, June 29, 2025, at the Maple Tree Apartments in Girard, Kansas. The incident left one man injured and has resulted in the arrest of four individuals who now face a range of charges stemming from the violent altercation.
The Incident
According to the Girard Police Department and the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, officers were dispatched to the Maple Tree Apartments shortly before 2:30 a.m. after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting gunshots in the area. When officers arrived, they discovered a male victim suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper torso.
Emergency medical personnel from Crawford County EMS rendered immediate aid and transported the injured man to Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg. Authorities have not released his name at this time but have confirmed that he remains hospitalized in stable condition. His injuries, while serious, are not believed to be life-threatening.
Arrests Made at the Scene
Following a swift response and on-scene investigation, officers arrested four individuals in connection with the shooting:
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Rickey Burns Sr., 61
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Rickey Burns Jr., 33
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Cody G. Hammonds, 34
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Demitra A. Durden, 41
All four suspects were taken into custody without incident and are currently being held at the Crawford County Jail. Formal charges are pending review by the Crawford County Attorney’s Office, but authorities indicated that preliminary charges include aggravated battery with a firearm, conspiracy to commit aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon, and obstruction of justice.
A firearm believed to have been used in the shooting was recovered at the scene. Investigators are also reviewing surveillance footage from the apartment complex and interviewing witnesses to piece together the exact circumstances leading up to the shooting.
Possible Motive and Ongoing Investigation
While the full motive remains under investigation, preliminary reports suggest that the shooting may have stemmed from a dispute involving personal grievances among individuals known to one another. Law enforcement sources indicated there was a verbal altercation prior to the shooting, which quickly escalated into violence.
The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) has been contacted to assist with forensic analysis, and officials stated that no further threat to the public exists at this time.
Girard Police Chief Jason Blundell issued a statement on Sunday afternoon:
“We understand the community is shaken by this incident. The safety of our residents remains our highest priority, and we are working diligently to ensure justice is served. We are grateful for the swift cooperation of witnesses and our partner agencies.”
Community Response
The Maple Tree Apartments, a quiet residential complex in the small city of Girard, has rarely seen this kind of violence. Sunday morning’s shooting has deeply unsettled residents and prompted renewed calls for community vigilance and outreach efforts to prevent future incidents.
“I’ve lived here for 12 years and never seen anything like this,” said Anna Corbin, a resident who lives just two buildings away from the shooting scene. “I hope the victim pulls through. And I hope we get some answers.”
In response to the incident, city officials are considering a community safety meeting in the coming week to address residents’ concerns, provide updates, and promote neighborhood watch participation.
Legal Proceedings Ahead
All four suspects are expected to appear before a Crawford County judge in the coming days for initial arraignment and bond hearings. The Crawford County Attorney’s Office is reviewing evidence to determine the appropriate charges, which could include both felony and misdemeanor counts, depending on each suspect’s involvement.
Meanwhile, authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has relevant video footage — including phone recordings or home security feeds — to contact the Girard Police Department at (620) 724-6213.
As the investigation continues, residents of Girard are left grappling with the aftermath of a violent morning in an otherwise peaceful community. Law enforcement officials remain committed to transparency and accountability as they work to bring clarity and justice to a case that has shaken this small Kansas town.