Suspect Tayvion Smith Sought After 22-Year-Old Devin Hoadley Dies in Topeka Shooting

 A 22-year-old Topeka man is being remembered across his community after a fatal shooting at a southeast mobile home park that has now become the city’s third homicide of 2026, leaving investigators searching for answers and a suspect still at large.

According to the Topeka Police Department, officers responded just after 1 p.m. Monday to 245 S.E. 29th Street after reports of an assault with a firearm. When they arrived, they found an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound and immediately requested emergency medical assistance.

Emergency crews with American Medical Response transported the victim to a nearby hospital in critical condition, but despite lifesaving efforts, he was later pronounced dead. Police later identified him as 22-year-old Devin David-Lee Hoadley of Topeka.

Investigators say the shooting occurred inside a mobile home park on Southeast 29th Street, and early findings suggest the incident was targeted. Authorities have identified 19-year-old Tayvion Smith as a person of interest and are actively searching for him in connection with the case.

Friends and family describe Hoadley as a caring and loving young man who had recently become a new father, a detail that has intensified the grief felt by those closest to him and the wider community now mourning his loss.

The announcement of his death has sparked calls for justice, with relatives and supporters sharing his story online and urging anyone with information about the suspect’s whereabouts to come forward and assist investigators.

Police continue to urge the public to help locate Tayvion Smith, emphasizing that even small tips could help move the investigation forward. Crime Stoppers and local authorities are accepting anonymous information as they work to determine the full circumstances of the shooting.

Weeks of shock and mourning continue in Topeka as residents process the sudden loss of Devin David-Lee Hoadley, a young father whose death has become a painful reminder of ongoing violence affecting local neighborhoods and families. As investigators continue working the case, the focus remains on accountability and finding answers that may bring some measure of closure to those grieving. As law enforcement agencies maintain their search for Tayvion Smith, community members are being asked to remain alert and cooperative, recognizing that even small pieces of information can play a critical role in advancing the investigation. The case has also reignited broader conversations about youth violence and the importance of prevention efforts in local communities. Friends of Hoadley continue to share memories of his kindness and dedication to his new role as a father, emphasizing the deep personal loss felt by those who knew him best. Their tributes highlight a life cut short and the lasting impact he had on his loved ones despite his young age. The investigation remains active, and authorities continue to encourage anyone with relevant information to come forward as the community seeks justice and healing in the aftermath of the shooting. Officials stress that cooperation from the public may be essential in bringing resolution to the case and providing answers for the grieving family members present