Man Sentenced to 22 Years for Deadly Topeka Shooting

Silas B. A. Kriner pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and aggravated robbery charges.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 10:52pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single spent bullet casing on a dark surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the deadly shooting that took Earon Cooper's life.A single spent bullet casing serves as a stark reminder of the deadly violence that continues to plague parts of Topeka.Topeka Today

A Shawnee County judge has sentenced 22-year-old Silas B. A. Kriner to 22 years and 3 months in prison for his role in the 2024 shooting death of 31-year-old Earon Cooper in south Topeka. Kriner initially pleaded not guilty but later changed his plea to guilty on amended charges of second-degree murder and aggravated robbery.

Why it matters

This sentencing brings some closure to the 2024 homicide case that rocked the Topeka community. The shooting highlighted ongoing concerns about gun violence and public safety in the city, as well as the challenges prosecutors face in securing convictions for serious crimes.

The details

Police responded to a call in July 2024 regarding a shooting in the 2900 block of Southwest Topeka Boulevard, where they found Earon Cooper suffering from multiple gunshot wounds in his vehicle near a local fitness center. Cooper was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities arrested Kriner two months later and charged him with first-degree murder and aggravated robbery. Kriner later pleaded guilty to the reduced charges.

  • On July 20, 2024, police responded to a reported shooting in south Topeka.
  • On September 5, 2024, police arrested Silas B. A. Kriner on charges related to the shooting.
  • On September 10, 2024, prosecutors charged Kriner for his role in Earon Cooper's death.
  • In December 2025, Kriner pleaded guilty to amended charges of second-degree murder and aggravated robbery.
  • On April 16, 2026, a judge sentenced Kriner to 22 years and 3 months in prison.

The players

Silas B. A. Kriner

A 22-year-old man who pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and aggravated robbery charges for his role in the 2024 shooting death of Earon Cooper in Topeka.

Earon Cooper

A 31-year-old man who was fatally shot in his vehicle in south Topeka in 2024.

Mike Kagay

The Shawnee County District Attorney who announced Kriner's sentencing.

Delano A. Washington

Another man who is set to be sentenced in May for his connection to Earon Cooper's death.

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What they’re saying

“This sentencing brings some closure to the 2024 homicide case that rocked the Topeka community.”

— Mike Kagay, Shawnee County District Attorney

What’s next

Delano A. Washington is set to be sentenced in May for his connection to Earon Cooper's death.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges Topeka faces in addressing gun violence and securing convictions for serious crimes, underscoring the need for continued community-based efforts to promote public safety.