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Topeka woman taken into custody after 9-year-old son found dead: Police

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police siren Courtesy: McClatchy Co.

A Topeka woman was taken into police custody Thursday after her 9-year-old son was found dead in her home, according to authorities.

Shyla M. Goracke, 29, was taken into custody in relation to the death of her son, according to the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office. Goracke is currently at a local hospital.

The Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office responded to Goracke’s home on SW Worwick Town Road, which she shares with husband Eli, just after 11:30 a.m. Thursday.

There, officers found the deceased 9-year old with multiple wounds to the chest and neck, according to the sheriff’s office.

Authorities are investigating the death, and an autopsy will take place Friday. The child has not been publicly named.

Goracke is the owner of Mutt’Staches Mobile Grooming, a mobile dog grooming business based in Topeka. She announced the closing of her business on Facebook early Wednesday morning, citing personal reasons.

Goracke has not been charged in Shawnee County court as of Thursday.

This story was originally published June 20, 2024 at 8:27 PM.

Ilana Arougheti
The Kansas City Star
Ilana Arougheti (they/she) is The Kansas City Star’s Jackson County watchdog reporter, covering local government and accountability issues with a focus on eastern Jackson County .They are a graduate of Northwestern University, where she studied journalism, sociology and gender studies. Ilana most recently covered breaking news for The Star and previously wrote for the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times and Raleigh News & Observer. Feel free to reach out with questions or tips! Support my work with a digital subscription
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