PARSONS, KS — June 20, 2025 | Domestic Altercation Turns Fatal: Woman Shot Dead, Suspect Dies by Suicide After Pursuit Ends in Crash
PARSONS, KS — A devastating act of domestic violence unfolded in Parsons, Kansas, on Friday night, leaving two people dead and a family shattered. Authorities confirmed that a woman was fatally shot by her boyfriend in what investigators have deemed a domestic altercation. The suspected shooter, 36-year-old Steve Antone McDonald, later took his own life after a law enforcement pursuit ended in a crash in Greenwood County.
The tragedy began in the quiet community of Parsons, where local police responded to a distressing 911 call reporting a shooting in a residential neighborhood. Upon arrival, officers discovered a woman suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite emergency efforts by first responders, the female victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Her identity has not yet been made public as authorities work to notify her extended family.
A Child’s Account: Witness to an Unthinkable Scene
Among those present during the horrific incident was the victim’s juvenile son, who became a crucial witness in the early moments of the investigation. In a heart-wrenching and emotional statement, the young boy recounted the argument that had erupted between his mother and her boyfriend, Steve McDonald.
According to his statement, the verbal confrontation rapidly escalated into physical violence. Amid screams, shouts, and pleas, McDonald allegedly brandished a firearm and shot the victim before fleeing the home in a vehicle. The child’s account provided investigators with critical information about the suspect, the vehicle he was driving, and the direction in which he fled.
“His bravery in the face of such trauma was unimaginable,” said one officer involved in the case. “Thanks to his detailed statement, we were able to identify the suspect quickly and issue alerts to neighboring jurisdictions.”
Manhunt and Pursuit Across County Lines
A statewide alert was issued for McDonald and his vehicle, setting off a multi-agency manhunt. Law enforcement officials from Parsons Police, Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office, and Kansas Highway Patrol coordinated in real time to track the fleeing suspect.
Hours after the initial shooting, McDonald was spotted in Greenwood County, roughly 80 miles northwest of Parsons. Deputies attempted a traffic stop, but McDonald refused to pull over, initiating a high-speed pursuit through rural roadways.
The chase ended in a violent crash when McDonald’s vehicle veered off the road and collided with a tree near a wooded area. When deputies approached the wreckage, they discovered McDonald with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene. A handgun was recovered from the vehicle.
Investigation Ongoing, Community in Shock
As detectives continue to investigate the details leading up to the fatal altercation, they are working closely with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and local domestic violence units. Authorities have confirmed that McDonald had a prior history of domestic disputes, though no restraining orders or active cases were on file at the time of the incident.
“This is a stark and painful reminder of the lethal potential of domestic violence,” said a spokesperson for the Parsons Police Department. “One woman lost her life, a child witnessed a nightmare, and another life was lost through an act of suicide. The entire community is mourning.”
Neighbors and friends of the victim have begun organizing memorials and support efforts for her surviving son, who is now in the care of relatives. Local trauma counselors and school officials have also stepped in to ensure the child receives emotional support and long-term resources.
Call for Awareness and Prevention
Community leaders and domestic violence prevention advocates are urging residents to take action in support of victims and survivors. “Too often, signs are missed, or victims feel they have nowhere to turn,” said one local advocate. “We need to talk more openly about domestic abuse and give people the tools and courage to seek help before it’s too late.”
The tragic incident in Parsons adds to the growing concern nationwide over domestic violence and the emotional toll it takes on children caught in the crossfire. Law enforcement officials have encouraged anyone who may be in an abusive situation to contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
As the small community of Parsons mourns and recovers from this unspeakable tragedy, there is hope that the victim’s memory will become a rallying cry for justice, support, and change.