Daitron Lamont Daniels and Caiden Carl Ralph Clem Taken Into Custody Relating to Gunfire Incident at Jayhawk

 Two Individuals Taken Into Custody Following Lethal Shooting at Jayhawk Café in Lawrence – In the early morning of Saturday, January 17, 2026, a tragic incident occurred outside the well-known Jayhawk Café in Lawrence, Kansas, resulting in the death of one teenager and leaving another in critical condition, alarming the surrounding community. Authorities arrived at the café, situated at 1340 Ohio Street—a popular gathering place for college students—after gunfire was reported shortly after 1:50 a.m.

When the officers reached the location, they found two individuals who had sustained gunshot wounds. An 18-year-old male was declared dead on-site, while the second victim, a 16-year-old boy, suffered severe injuries and was initially taken to Lawrence Memorial Hospital via ambulance before being airlifted to Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City for more advanced treatment. The identities of both victims have not been released by law enforcement, as they await the mandatory 24-hour notification to their families.

The Lawrence Police Department characterized the environment at the scene as disorderly, as numerous witnesses and nearby individuals appeared shaken by the events. Referred to locally as “The Hawk,” the Jayhawk Café is frequented by many youths, which may explain why teenagers were present when the shooting happened in the early morning hours.

Sophisticated investigative work led to the identification and apprehension of two suspects just blocks away from the café within a few hours after the shooting. Both suspects are 18-year-old males: Daitron Lamont Daniels from Shawnee and Caiden Carl Ralph Clem from Atchison. They have been formally charged with multiple crimes, including first-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, felony murder, and aggravated assault, and are currently held at the Douglas County Jail.

Authorities confirmed that the inquiry is still active, with detectives conducting interviews with witnesses and gathering evidence from the location. Officials also mentioned that the motivation behind the shooting has yet to be revealed, and it remains uncertain if the incident was random or if it originated from a confrontation inside or outside the café.

Law enforcement highlighted that the victims' families have been informed and are working with the authorities, although further information is being withheld to maintain their privacy. Early reports from the Lawrence Police Department suggest that the investigation will persist, with more updates anticipated as new information is collected.

The incident has profoundly impacted the local community, prompting residents and business owners to voice their worries regarding violence, especially given the youth of those involved. This occurrence has reignited discussions surrounding public safety, gun-related violence, and the need for protections in social venues where young people tend to congregate.

Authorities are encouraging anyone who has information pertinent to the shooting to reach out to the Lawrence Police Department to aid in the ongoing investigation. Meanwhile, the café has ceased operations, and law enforcement has intensified patrols in the vicinity to reassure residents and uphold public safety.

As the investigation progresses, officials in Lawrence, residents, and law enforcement are grappling with the sorrowful events that transpired that early Saturday morning, underscoring the pressing need for community alertness and collaboration in addressing further violence.