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A teenage defendant has formally accepted responsibility in connection with a deadly 2024 shooting at Sim Park in Wichita, a violent encounter that resulted in one death and left another person injured.
Plea Agreement Reached in Wichita Park Homicide
On Thursday, Victor Rivas-Banuelos entered a guilty plea to second-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder. Originally, prosecutors had filed more serious charges, including first-degree murder, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, and criminal use of a weapon.
By accepting the plea deal, the teen avoided trial on the original charges while still facing significant prison time under Kansas law.
Details of the Sim Park Shooting
Early Morning Confrontation Turns Deadly
The shooting occurred during the early hours of December 14, 2024, near a parking area at Sim Park in Wichita. According to court records, the confrontation stemmed from an arranged fight between two men who were involved in an ongoing dispute.
Planned Fight Escalates
Court documents reveal that 19-year-old David Hernandez-Cervantes had agreed to meet another individual at the park to settle their disagreement physically. However, neither party arrived alone.
- Hernandez-Cervantes was accompanied by a 24-year-old man and two additional individuals.
- The opposing group brought four people, including Rivas-Banuelos.
What began as a one-on-one altercation quickly escalated when others became involved, according to a detective’s affidavit from the Wichita Police Department.
Weapon Used and Shots Fired
Baseball Bat Incident Precedes Gunfire
Investigators stated that during the chaos, the 24-year-old man swung a baseball bat, striking someone from the opposing group.
Moments later, Rivas-Banuelos allegedly fired multiple rounds, dramatically escalating the violence.
Police recovered 15 spent shell casings at the scene, indicating numerous shots were discharged.
Victims Transported to Hospital
Both gunshot victims were rushed to a local hospital. Tragically, David Hernandez-Cervantes later died from his injuries. The 24-year-old victim survived but suffered gunshot wounds.
Teen Charged as Adult in Wichita Homicide
Juvenile Case Transferred to Adult Court
At the time of the shooting, Rivas-Banuelos was 16 years old. Initially, the matter was handled in juvenile court. However, in December, prosecutors moved to have him charged as an adult, reflecting the severity of the crime.
The decision to try a minor as an adult is typically reserved for serious felony cases involving violence or homicide.
Sentencing Date Scheduled
Following his guilty plea, Rivas-Banuelos is scheduled to be sentenced on April 18. The court will determine the length of his sentence based on Kansas sentencing guidelines and the terms of the plea agreement.
The tragic events at Sim Park in Wichita highlight how quickly disputes can spiral into deadly violence. What was reportedly intended as a physical fight between two individuals turned into a fatal shooting involving multiple participants.
With Victor Rivas-Banuelos pleading guilty to second-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder, the case now moves toward sentencing. The outcome will mark the final chapter in a case that began with a planned confrontation and ended with the loss of a young life.