Anderson County law Enforcement believe a relationship gone bad led to the death of 36-year-old Sheila Kendall and ended with the suspect’s suicide after a chase with Kansas Highway Patrol officers near Greensburg. A letter in the possession of 55-year-old Jerry W. Thompson of Kincaid pointed officers to believe Kendall, was breaking off their five-year relationship.
Thompson’s vehicle was eastbound on U. S. Highway 54 Saturday night, February 1st, when it was recognized by State Troopers in Kiowa County, who initiated a traffic stop. Thompson first pulled to the side of the road but then suddenly accelerated, initiating the chase. His vehicle then left the roadway and struck a field entrance, became airborne and rolled, ejecting him from the car. His body was discovered with a bullet wound to the head, believed to have been fired from the loaded .38 caliber pistol found in the vehicle, which was also believed to be the weapon used in Kendall’s murder.
Sheriff McClain says a letter found in Thompson’s possessions spoke to the apparent end of his relationship with Kendall and that he was struggling with the break up, and Sheriff McClain believes that’s what fueled his actions.
