Naomi Oglesby Killed in South Laura Avenue Shooting: Wichita Community Devastated by Loss of 20-Year-Old Woman in Early Morning Violence

WICHITA, KS — May 25, 2025 —
The Wichita community is reeling from a devastating act of gun violence that claimed the life of Naomi Oglesby, a 20-year-old woman described by friends and family as bright, ambitious, and deeply loved. The fatal shooting occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning, casting a long shadow over what began as a quiet Memorial Day weekend. Authorities from the Wichita Police Department confirmed that Oglesby succumbed to gunshot wounds shortly after being rushed to the hospital, following a targeted shooting in the 700 block of South Laura Avenue.

The senseless killing of Naomi Oglesby has sparked grief, outrage, and urgent calls for action, as residents and city officials confront the rising tide of gun violence affecting neighborhoods across Wichita. At just 20 years old, Oglesby’s life was cut tragically short, leaving behind a grieving family, a shaken community, and countless unanswered questions.

The Incident: A Violent Morning in a Quiet Neighborhood

According to official reports from the Wichita Police Department, the incident unfolded at approximately 4:28 a.m. on Sunday, May 25, 2025. Officers were dispatched to the 700 block of South Laura Avenue—a central Wichita neighborhood generally regarded as calm and residential—after a 911 call reported the sound of multiple gunshots.

When law enforcement officers arrived on scene, they discovered Naomi Oglesby suffering from at least one critical gunshot wound. Emergency medical personnel rendered immediate aid and transported her to a nearby hospital, where trauma teams worked urgently to save her life. Despite their efforts, Oglesby was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Authorities noted the severity of her injuries and the time-sensitive nature of the emergency, acknowledging that even the fastest response may not have been enough to counter the lethal nature of the shooting.

Victim Identified: Who Was Naomi Oglesby?

Naomi Oglesby, 20, was a vibrant and promising young woman with a wide circle of friends and a strong bond with her family. Born and raised in Wichita, Naomi had graduated from Heights High School and was working part-time while pursuing enrollment at a local community college to study criminal justice. Those who knew her described her as passionate about social issues and justice reform—ironically, the very systems that would now be investigating her death.

“She had so much heart,” said Jasmine Clarke, one of Naomi’s childhood friends. “Naomi believed in fairness, in speaking up for people who didn’t have a voice. She always wanted to help people. The idea that someone would take her from us like this is just beyond comprehension.”

On social media, tributes have poured in from classmates, colleagues, extended family, and even community leaders. A vigil was quickly organized by Naomi’s family for Sunday evening, where hundreds of candles illuminated the streets near her home, and friends shared memories through songs, prayers, and sobs.

“She was supposed to change the world,” said her older brother, Marcus Oglesby. “Now all we have are memories, and that’s not fair.”

Investigation and Ongoing Police Efforts

The Wichita Police Department has confirmed that a homicide investigation is ongoing. Detectives spent several hours canvassing the scene, collecting evidence, and speaking with nearby residents and potential witnesses. While no suspects have been publicly named as of yet, police indicated they are actively pursuing leads and reviewing surveillance footage from the surrounding area.

Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan addressed the media Sunday afternoon, expressing condolences to the Oglesby family and promising a full, transparent investigation. “We are treating this with the utmost seriousness,” Chief Sullivan said. “The loss of a young life—any life—is a tragedy, but when a young woman like Naomi is taken from her family and her future, our resolve only strengthens. We will not rest until we find those responsible.”

While early speculation suggests the shooting may have been targeted rather than random, officials have not ruled out any possibilities. Residents of South Laura Avenue and the surrounding area are being encouraged to provide any information—no matter how small—that might aid in solving the case.

A Community Grieves

The killing of Naomi Oglesby has become more than just a news story—it has become a flashpoint for broader conversations about violence, trauma, and systemic breakdowns in public safety. Community members, already fatigued by a recent uptick in violent crimes, are expressing both sorrow and frustration.

“This didn’t happen in a dark alley,” said resident and local youth mentor Tyrone Bradley. “This was someone’s daughter, someone’s sister, someone who was just trying to live her life. We keep saying we’re going to do something about the violence, but nothing changes.”

Several community organizations, including Wichita Peace Initiative and Mothers United for Justice, have issued statements calling for greater investment in violence prevention, youth mentorship programs, and community policing strategies that can address root causes before they escalate into violence.

The local chapter of the NAACP also issued a statement, saying, “We cannot afford to lose another young Black woman to preventable violence. We mourn Naomi Oglesby today, but we must act tomorrow.”

The Impact of Gun Violence in Wichita

Naomi’s death is part of a disturbing pattern affecting cities across the United States, including Wichita. According to the most recent public safety data, Wichita has seen an 8% increase in gun-related incidents over the past year, including shootings in residential areas, parking lots, and during routine traffic stops. The rise has been attributed to several factors, including economic stress, mental health crises, easy access to firearms, and limited community engagement resources.

In response to these trends, Mayor Lily Wu and the Wichita City Council have recently proposed a new public safety initiative focused on intervention-based policing and expanded social services. Naomi’s death, tragically, now becomes another statistic used to justify such reforms.

“This city is tired,” said Councilman Robert Tisdale. “We’re tired of wakes, tired of vigils, tired of explaining to parents why their child isn’t coming home. We owe Naomi and her family more than thoughts and prayers—we owe them change.”

Remembering Naomi Oglesby: A Future Lost

In her short life, Naomi Oglesby touched many people. She worked part-time at a retail store in Towne East Square, where coworkers described her as cheerful, focused, and beloved by customers. She had dreams of becoming a legal advocate, possibly a lawyer or social worker, and had spent recent weekends volunteering at a local women’s shelter.

“She always wanted to be a voice for the voiceless,” said Lisa Garrison, a shelter supervisor. “Even though she was so young, Naomi had compassion and wisdom well beyond her years.”

Naomi’s family is planning a public memorial service next week, with details to be announced once arrangements are finalized. A scholarship fund is also being established in her name to support other young women pursuing degrees in criminal justice or social work.

“We want Naomi to be remembered not just for how she died,” said her mother, Trina Oglesby, “but for how she lived. She was love, she was strength, she was our light. And we will never stop seeking justice for her.”

Call for Witnesses and Support

The Wichita Police Department urges anyone with information about the shooting—no matter how insignificant it may seem—to contact their homicide tip line at (316) 268-4407 or Crime Stoppers at (316) 267-2111. Anonymous tips are welcome, and a reward may be offered for information leading to an arrest.

Meanwhile, the community continues to grapple with the emotional toll of another life lost far too soon. Naomi Oglesby’s death is a tragedy that cannot be undone, but those left behind hope her story will galvanize real, lasting change in Wichita and beyond.

If you or someone you know is dealing with trauma from violence, grief support services are available through local organizations such as the Wichita Victims Assistance Center and the Mental Health Association of South Central Kansas. No one has to go through this alone.

Naomi Oglesby should have had decades ahead of her—graduations, careers, perhaps a family of her own. Instead, her story has become a painful reminder of how fragile life can be in the face of unchecked violence. As the sun rose over South Laura Avenue the morning of May 25, it did so over a city mourning not just a daughter, but a future that should have been.

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