Kansas man accused of leaving children in hot car, causing 3-year-old’s death
A Johnson County man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and child endangerment months after two children were allegedly left in a car on a hot day, resulting in one of their deaths.
Tyler Pence, 43, was arrested last week and charged Friday with two felonies, first degree murder and endangerment of a child, according to Johnson County District Court Records.
Deputies from the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office responded around 5:30 p.m. September 3, 2025, to a medical call near K-10 and Kill Creek Road near De Soto. When they arrived, they found Pence and two children inside a vehicle, according to a news release.
Life-saving measures were performed on both children, the sheriff’s office said. A 3-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene. A 1-year-old was taken to a hospital in critical condition, but recovered and was later released.
Details surrounding the reported “medical incident” were initially sparse, as investigators released little information about what led to the child’s death.
More than 7 months later, investigators allege the medical emergencies the children suffered were the result of them being left in a car on a hot day.
Pence was arrested following that determination, the sheriff’s office said. His bond was set at $250,000.
The Star has requested court records in the case and is waiting to hear back.
Pence is due to appear in court for the first time Thursday afternoon.
Previous reporting by The Star’s Nathan Pilling contributed.
