Wichita police say they've arrested four people in connection to the shooting death of a 22-year-old man at an apartment complex late Monday night. 

Jail records show 22-year-old Luis Martinez, 18-year-old Nicholas Olmos and 20-year-old Jaylon Pete were booked Tuesday morning for first-degree murder in commission of a felony. A 16-year-old suspect was also arrested for felony murder. 

Before midnight, a Wichita police officer was near the Twin Rivers Apartments complex at 2303 Somerset, near 21st and Amidon. It’s there where he heard gunshots and saw a light-colored Ford SUV speed away, said Lt. Scott Moon.

Officers were able to stop the vehicle, and around the same time 911 dispatchers received calls about a shooting. Police arrested the four suspects without further incident. 

Police found the victim, identified as Jose Covarrubias, dead at the apartment complex. 

Capt. Jason Stephens said witnesses reported seeing a light-colored SUV leaving the area, and officers recovered a handgun from inside the vehicle. 

Investigators learned the four suspects met the victim at the apartment complex for a drug transaction.

"During the transaction, a physical disturbance ensued and, ultimately, one of the suspects fired shots at (the victim), fatally injuring him," Capt. Stephens said. 

The investigation is ongoing. Police spokesperson Charley Davidson said Covarrubias' death was the city's 19th criminal homicide of 2021.

 
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