Man sentenced to 22 years for 2024 Topeka murder

Silas Kriner pleaded guilty to killing Earon Cooper in July 2024 and was sentenced this month.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 11:07pm

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An extreme close-up of a metal handcuff chain against a stark black background, dramatically lit by a harsh camera flash to create a gritty, investigative aesthetic without any text or identifiable elements.A harsh, gritty close-up of evidence from a violent crime scene serves as a somber reminder of the ongoing challenges Topeka faces in addressing its persistent issues with violent crime.Topeka Today

A 22-year-old man named Silas Kriner has been sentenced to 22 years in prison for his role in a 2024 murder that occurred in Topeka, Kansas. Kriner pled guilty in December 2025 to charges related to the July 2020 killing of Earon Cooper on South Topeka Boulevard, and was sentenced on April 16, 2026 to 267 months (around 22 years and 3 months) in prison.

Why it matters

Violent crime remains a persistent issue in Topeka, with the city seeing a rise in homicides in recent years. This sentencing highlights the ongoing efforts by local law enforcement and the district attorney's office to hold perpetrators accountable and deliver justice for victims and their families.

The details

According to Shawnee County District Attorney Mike Kagay, Kriner pled guilty on December 2, 2025 to charges related to the July 20, 2024 murder of Earon Cooper on South Topeka Boulevard. On April 16, 2026, Kriner was sentenced to 267 months (approximately 22 years and 3 months) in prison for the crime. Kriner will remain in the custody of the Shawnee County Department of Corrections until he is transferred to the Kansas Department of Corrections to serve his full sentence. Upon his eventual release, Kriner will be required to register as a violent offender in the state of Kansas for 15 years.

  • The murder occurred on July 20, 2024 in Topeka.
  • Kriner pled guilty to the charges on December 2, 2025.
  • Kriner was sentenced on April 16, 2026.

The players

Silas Kriner

A 22-year-old man who was sentenced to 22 years in prison for the 2024 murder of Earon Cooper in Topeka.

Earon Cooper

The victim of the 2024 murder in Topeka for which Silas Kriner was sentenced.

Mike Kagay

The Shawnee County District Attorney who announced the sentencing of Silas Kriner.

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The takeaway

This sentencing is a step forward in addressing violent crime in Topeka, but the city continues to grapple with high homicide rates. Ongoing efforts by law enforcement and the justice system to hold perpetrators accountable and deliver justice for victims will be crucial in improving public safety in the community.