TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – Topeka police have identified the city’s 16th homicide victim since 2024.

Officials said Friday morning that Peter J. Blancas, 58, of Topeka, was found dead Wednesday morning at a home in the 500 block of NE Gordon Street in the Little Russia neighborhood on the city’s north side.

The the homicide was reported around 9:15 a.m. Wednesday after Topeka Fire Department crews responded to what was initially listed as a “medical call” at a residence in the 500 block of NE Gordon Street.

No arrests had been reported as of 11:30 a.m. Friday.

Police officials said Friday morning that the investigation into the killing is ongoing.

Crews were dispatched around 9:15 a.m. Wednesday to the home on NE Gordon for what was initially reported as a “medical call.”

Topeka firefighters and paramedics responded to the home, where they found a man who was pronounced dead at the scene.

Because of the nature of the incident, officials said, firefighters have asked police investigators to respond.

At the same time, a year ago, Topeka had recorded 33 homicides through Oct. 30, 2023, the year the capital set a record 35 homicides.

Additional details were not immediately available.

Blanca’s death was initially listed by police officials as the city’s 15th homicide of the year.

However, Blanca’s death was later determined to be Topeka’s 16th homicide of 2024.

The city’s 15th homicide of 2024 was reported Sunday evening, Oct. 6, at a residence at 1640 SW Buchanan St., where a fire had occurred.

Officials with the Topeka Police Department told 13 NEWS Thursday that the identity of the Oct. 6 homicide victim on SW Buchanan Street is still pending.

Check wibw.com later for more information as it becomes available.

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