Daitron Lamont Daniels and Caiden Carl Ralph Clem Apprehended in Connection with Shooting Event at Jayhawk Café in Lawrence

 Two Persons Arrested in Connection with Deadly Shooting at Jayhawk Café in Lawrence – In the early hours of Saturday, January 17, 2026, a devastating shooting outside the popular Jayhawk Café in Lawrence, Kansas resulted in the death of a young male and left another individual critically injured, leading to significant concern in the community. Law enforcement arrived promptly after receiving reports of gunfire at the café, located at 1340 Ohio Street, which is a favored hangout for college students.

Daitron Lamont Daniels and Caiden

Upon officers' arrival, they encountered two individuals suffering from gunshot wounds. A young man aged 18 was pronounced dead at the scene. The other victim, a 16-year-old male, sustained serious injuries and was transported via ambulance to Lawrence Memorial Hospital before being airlifted to Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City for more specialized care. The authorities have not disclosed the names of the victims as they await the necessary 24-hour notification period for the families involved.

The Lawrence Police Department described the situation as chaotic, with many witnesses and patrons in the vicinity clearly shaken by the events. Jayhawk Café, commonly known as “The Hawk,” attracts a young clientele, which likely explains the presence of teenagers at the time of the late-night incident.

Shortly following the shooting, investigators managed to apprehend two suspects a short distance from the café. Both suspects are identified as 18-year-old males, Daitron Lamont Daniels from Shawnee and Caiden Carl Ralph Clem from Atchison. They have been arrested and are currently held at Douglas County Jail, facing several charges that include first-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, felony murder, and aggravated assault.

Authorities have confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing, with detectives interviewing witnesses and collecting evidence from the crime scene. The reason for the shooting has not yet been disclosed. It remains unclear whether this incident was random or stemmed from a confrontation inside or outside the café.

Law enforcement has indicated that the families of the victims have already been informed and are collaborating with investigators, yet additional details are being kept confidential to protect their privacy. Early reports from the Lawrence Police Department indicate that the investigation will continue, with further updates expected as new information becomes available.

The shooting has had a significant effect on the local community, with residents and business operators expressing worry about the violence, particularly given the young age of those involved. This event has reignited conversations regarding public safety, gun-related violence, and measures to ensure the safety of local establishments frequented by youth.

Authorities are urging anyone with information about the shooting to contact the Lawrence Police Department to assist with the ongoing investigation. In the meantime, the café has been closed, and law enforcement has increased patrols in the area to reassure the community and maintain public safety.

As the inquiry progresses, authorities in Lawrence, community members, and police are confronting the tragic situation that unfolded early on Saturday, highlighting the vital importance of awareness and teamwork within the community to avert future instances of violence.