Daitron Lamont Daniels and Caiden Carl Ralph Clem Taken into Custody Relating to Gunfire Incident at Jayhawk Café in Lawrence

 Two Individuals Detained Regarding Fatal Shooting at Jayhawk Café in Lawrence – Early in the morning on Saturday, January 17, 2026, a tragic shooting outside the well-known Jayhawk Café in Lawrence, Kansas resulted in the death of a young man and left another seriously wounded, causing profound distress within the local area. Authorities arrived on the scene shortly after 1:50 a.m. following reports of gunfire at the café, situated at 1340 Ohio Street, a popular gathering place for college students.

Upon their arrival, officers found two individuals who had suffered gunshot wounds. An 18-year-old male was declared dead at the location. The second individual, a 16-year-old boy, had severe injuries and was taken by ambulance to Lawrence Memorial Hospital before being transported by helicopter to Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City for advanced treatment. The identities of the victims have not been released by authorities as they await the necessary 24-hour notification to the families involved.

The Lawrence Police Department characterized the situation as tumultuous, with numerous witnesses and nearby patrons visibly disturbed. The Jayhawk Café, locally referred to as “The Hawk,” regularly draws a youthful crowd, possibly accounting for the presence of teenagers during the late-night incident.

Shortly after the shooting, investigators were able to apprehend two suspects just a short distance from the café. Both individuals are 18-year-old males identified as Daitron Lamont Daniels from Shawnee and Caiden Carl Ralph Clem from Atchison. They have been taken into custody at the Douglas County Jail facing various charges, including first-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, felony murder, and aggravated assault.

Authorities have confirmed that the inquiry is still active, with detectives conducting interviews with witnesses and gathering evidence from the crime scene. The motive behind the shooting has yet to be revealed. It is still unknown if the event was random or if it arose from a clash inside or outside of the café.

Law enforcement has noted that the families of the victims have already been informed and are working alongside investigators, however, additional information is being withheld to safeguard their privacy. Initial updates from the Lawrence Police Department suggest that the investigation will progress, and further announcements will be shared as more details come to light.

The shooting has profoundly impacted the local populace, with residents and business owners voicing concerns about the violence, especially considering the youth of those affected. This occurrence has reignited discussions surrounding public safety, gun violence, and strategies to secure local venues frequented by young individuals.

Authorities are encouraging anyone possessing information regarding the shooting to reach out to the Lawrence Police Department to aid in the ongoing investigation. Meanwhile, the café has been shut down, with law enforcement increasing patrols in the vicinity to reassure residents and uphold public safety.

As the investigation continues, officials in Lawrence, members of the community, and law enforcement are addressing the sorrowful circumstances of that early Saturday morning, emphasizing the crucial need for awareness and community collaboration to prevent future incidents of violence.