TOPEKA, KS — The Topeka Police Department (TPD) is investigating the city’s 10th homicide of 2025 after discovering the body of a 72-year-old man inside a vehicle near the Central Park Community Center on Tuesday evening. The victim has been identified as Terry Keller, a longtime Topeka resident.
On July 15, 2025, at approximately 6:45 p.m., TPD officers on patrol in the 1500 block of Southwest Clay Street noticed a suspicious vehicle parked near the community center. Upon inspection, they found Keller deceased inside the vehicle. Initially reported as a suspicious death, the TPD announced on Wednesday morning that the case is now being investigated as a homicide due to the circumstances surrounding the incident.
During a press conference held at 11:15 a.m. on July 16 at the Law Enforcement Center, TPD officials provided limited details, stating that the investigation is ongoing and the cause of Keller’s death has not yet been publicly disclosed. No suspects have been identified, and the motive remains unclear at this time.
Investigators are diligently collecting evidence, interviewing potential witnesses, and reviewing security footage from the surrounding area. The vehicle in which Keller was found is undergoing thorough forensic examination, though police have not released information regarding how long it may have been parked at the location.
The TPD is urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Tips can be provided directly to the TPD at 785-368-9400 or via email at [email protected]. For those preferring anonymity, Shawnee County Crime Stoppers accepts tips at 785-234-0007. Authorities emphasize that even minor details could prove critical to resolving the case.
The homicide has rattled the Central Park neighborhood, a community known for its close-knit atmosphere and the community center’s role as a local gathering place. Residents have expressed shock and concern over the incident, with many calling for increased safety measures and swift resolution to the investigation. As the TPD continues its work, officials have pledged to keep the public informed with updates as new information emerges.
The death of Terry Keller marks a somber moment for Topeka, underscoring the need for community cooperation and vigilance in supporting law enforcement efforts to bring justice in this tragic case.