LAWRENCE, Kan. — The community is mourning an 18-year-old killed in a shooting early Saturday morning outside a popular bar near the University of Kansas campus, an incident police say was a case of being in the “wrong place at the wrong time.”
The victim has been identified by family as Aidan. In a public Facebook post shared by the Lawrence Police Department on Sunday, his father, Bobby Knowles, wrote: “Our son, Aidan, was shot and killed outside a bar in Lawrence early yesterday morning. One of his close friends was also shot and, by the grace of God, survived against all odds. We have learned that our son was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. We are completely devastated.”
The shooting occurred around 2 a.m. on Saturday, January 25, 2026, at The Hawk (also known as the Jayhawk Cafe) at 1340 Ohio Street. Police responded swiftly, gathering witness statements and apprehending two suspects nearby without incident.
A second victim, a 16-year-old, was also injured and was reported to be in critical condition as of Saturday afternoon.
Lawrence police have arrested two 18-year-olds in connection with the homicide. According to the Douglas County Jail booking log:
Caiden Clem, of Atchison, is being held on suspicion of first-degree murder and aggravated assault.
Daitron Daniels, of Shawnee, is being held on suspicion of first-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, and aggravated assault.
Both are being held without bond, and their cases are pending review by prosecutors. Arrestees are presumed not guilty unless convicted in a court of law.
During a brief press conference Saturday, Lawrence Police Major Hayden Fowler stated, “Our detectives continue to work tirelessly to investigate the circumstances of this case. That investigation is ongoing.” The department did not take questions.
The Hawk is located in a dense bar district just blocks from the KU Memorial Union, raising familiar concerns about safety in the area. Police have not released further details on the circumstances leading to the shooting.
The family has requested privacy as they grieve. No information regarding memorial services has been released.