Arrest in connection with the murder of Dedra Simmons in Topeka

Topeka police said they arrested a man Friday in connection with the homicide that occurred earlier that morning in downtown Topeka.

Demetris Terrill Gadson, 32, was taken into custody on crimes related to the death of Dedra L. Simmons, 38, of Topeka, said Lt. Ronnie Connell of the Topeka Police Department.

Police were called to a report of a domestic altercation in the 1300 block of SW Western Avenue around 6 a.m. Friday and found Simmons with life-threatening injuries, Connell said.

Simmons was taken to a hospital in Topeka, where she later died, Connell said.

Gadson was booked into the Shawnee County Jail at 5:25 p.m. Friday, where he was being held without bail. He faces one count each of first-degree murder, aggravated assault and cruelty to animals, jail records say.

According to jail records, Gadson was also held for violating probation.