Olathe, KS – A Johnson County man has been arrested and charged in connection with the death of a child found inside a vehicle last year, authorities confirmed Wednesday.
According to the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, Tyler Pence, 43, was taken into custody and faces charges of first-degree murder and child endangerment. The charges stem from an incident on September 3, 2025, near K-10 and Kill Creek Road outside De Soto.
Investigators say deputies initially responded around 5:30 p.m. to a medical call involving two children inside a vehicle. A 3-year-old child was pronounced dead at the scene despite life-saving efforts. A second child, who was 1 year old at the time, was transported to a hospital in critical condition but later recovered and was released.
Following a detailed investigation involving the Johnson County Medical Examiner’s Office and hospital staff, authorities determined the children had been left inside the vehicle on a hot day.
Officials have not released additional details about how long the children were inside the car. The case has now been turned over to the Johnson County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
Multiple agencies, including Kansas Highway Patrol and local fire districts, assisted in the initial response.
Authorities say additional updates will be provided by the District Attorney’s Office as the case moves forward.
