Judge seals police statements about what happened before KCK officer’s death
A Wyandotte County District Court judge ordered Tuesday that an affidavit containing police statements about events leading to Kansas City, Kansas, police officer Hunter Simoncic’s death will be filed under seal, according to court records.
Online court records show that the Wyandotte County District Attorney’s Office and the defense counsel each filed a motion asking the court to seal the affidavit for Dennis Edward Mitchell III’s arrest.
Mitchell, 31, is charged with capital murder in connection with Simoncic’s death. He also faces charges of fleeing law enforcement, theft and criminal possession of a firearm.
Affidavits in criminal cases contain information from law enforcement investigations into the matter and probable cause for a defendant’s arrest.
In his ruling this week, Wyandotte County Chief Judge Robert Burns said releasing the affidavit for public view could jeopardize the safety or wellbeing of a victim, witness, confidential source or undercover agent, or cause the destruction of evidence.
Releasing the affidavit could also “interfere with any prospective law enforcement action, criminal investigation or prosecution,” the ruling states.
Burns also signed an order Sept. 4 which bans cameras and audio recordings in all future hearings of Mitchell’s case.
Officer Simoncic killed in line of duty
Simoncic was killed Aug. 26 when authorities allege Mitchell, driving a stolen truck, intentionally ran into him while fleeing police.
Officers said Simoncic was placing tire-deflating devices in the road and that after Mitchell ran over them, he veered toward Simoncic and struck him.
Loved ones shared memories of Simoncic during his funeral service Sept. 3 at Children’s Mercy Park, where a large number of law enforcement officers and community members showed their support.
Simoncic’s death was the second law enforcement death in Wyandotte County in less than a month. In July, the community rallied around the Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Office after the killing of deputy Elijah Ming.
Wyandotte County District Attorney Mark Dupree announced last month that he would seek the death penalty if the man accused in Ming’s death is found guilty. He has not yet said whether he would seek the death penalty in Mitchell’s case.
Court appointed attorneys for Mitchell are experienced in Kansas death penalty defense, according to online court records.
This story was originally published September 11, 2025 at 10:22 AM.
