Patrick
WICHITA, Kan. – Newly released court documents have shed light on the tragic death of 15-year-old Kennedy Herren, who died from a drug overdose on September 14.
According to the affidavit, police were called to a residence at 4825 E. New Jersey around 7:54 a.m. after a 53-year-old woman, Danielle Wheeler, reported that a young girl at her home was not breathing.
Upon arrival, officers found Herren unresponsive. She was immediately transported to Wesley Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead about an hour later.
Events Leading to the Tragedy
The affidavit reveals that Wheeler lived with her adult son, 24-year-old Isaac Hord. On the night of September 13, Wheeler was home with Hord when his friend, Niklas Wiley, also 24, arrived with Herren around 11 p.m. The three went into Hord’s bedroom.
The next morning, Wheeler was awakened by “wailing sounds” from her son’s room. Upon checking, she discovered Herren lying pale and unresponsive, with blue lips, prompting her to call 911 immediately.
Substance Use and Witness Statements
In interviews, Wiley told investigators that Herren was a family friend, not a romantic partner. He admitted that all three had consumed alcohol, and that Herren might have “got ahold” of some. Wiley said he saw her take a Xanax pill, smoke marijuana, and use cocaine, admitting he had also used drugs that night.
He added that Herren mentioned taking a Percocet before he picked her up. After consuming multiple substances, the group fell asleep, only to wake and find Herren unresponsive on the floor.
While Wiley initially denied any romantic involvement, evidence later confirmed a sexual relationship between him and Herren, which Wiley later admitted.
Hord told officers that Herren arrived with her own bag containing marijuana, cocaine, and Percocet, but insisted he didn’t provide her with any drugs. He admitted, however, that he was too intoxicated to stop her and should have been more responsible.
Mother’s Statements and Self-Reflection
According to the affidavit, Wheeler knew Herren was just 15, though she claimed she never saw her drinking or taking drugs. She acknowledged that both Hord and Wiley were drug users and expressed regret for allowing the teen to stay overnight.
When asked about Wiley bringing a minor to stay with two adult men, Wheeler reportedly said she “didn’t think about it like that” because “they act like 17 or 18-year-old boys.”
Wheeler confessed feeling partly responsible for the girl’s death, admitting, “I didn’t use good judgment… I probably shouldn’t have let that girl stay here.” She added, “Our way of life is just screwed up… but it’s how we’ve survived it.”
Toxicology Findings and Legal Proceedings
The Sedgwick County Regional Forensic Science Center determined that Herren’s cause of death was toxicity resulting from a combination of cocaine, oxycodone, fentanyl, and bromazolam.
Hord told investigators that Narcan was available in the home due to his previous overdoses, though the report does not confirm whether it was administered to Herren.
Authorities charged Hord and Wiley with first-degree murder and aggravated child endangerment. Additionally, Wiley faces multiple sex-related offenses, including criminal sodomy, aggravated indecent liberties with a child, sexual exploitation of a child, and indecent liberties with a child.
Danielle Wheeler was charged with involuntary manslaughter. A preliminary hearing for the case is scheduled for November 20.
The heartbreaking case of Kennedy Herren highlights the devastating effects of drug abuse, negligence, and poor judgment. As court proceedings continue, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers facing vulnerable teens exposed to substance use and adult irresponsibility. The Wichita community mourns the loss of a young life that ended far too soon.