The FBI continues to seek information regarding the 2004 suspicious death of Alonzo Brooks in La Cygne, Kansas. The investigation into this cold case was initiated in 2019 and a reward of up to $100,000 for information was announced at a press conference on June 11, 2020.
During this investigation, new information has come to light surrounding the evening of Brooks’ death. Based upon interviews of individuals who had not previously spoken with investigators, the FBI has learned there was another party, the same evening, a relatively short distance away from the party Brooks attended. Through interviews, investigators have learned that a confrontation occurred at the nearby party, and many of the attendees left that gathering and joined the party at the farmhouse where Brooks was present.
The FBI is seeking to identify and speak with any individuals who attended either party. If you or someone you know were in attendance, please contact the FBI at 816-512-8200, 816-474-TIPS, or tips.fbi.gov. Any information you may have regarding this evening or these parties is valuable and could be crucial to this investigation. Even the smallest bit of information that may seem insignificant standing alone could be vital to the investigators.
The FBI is investigating Brooks’ death as a potential racially-motivated crime. Brooks, who was 23 years old at the time he died, was one of only three African-Americans at the party he attended with approximately 100 people at a farmhouse on the outskirts of La Cygne. Brooks, who lived in Gardner, Kan., rode to the party with friends, but they left before him, and Brooks eventually had no ride home. His body was later discovered in Middle Creek, adjacent to the farmhouse, on May 1, 2004.
The $100,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest, prosecution, and conviction of the individual or individuals responsible for Brooks’ death. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the FBI at 816-512-8200 or 816-474-TIPS, or to submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.
NEWS
Pleasanton Saddle Club member dies in horse accident
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Sheriff Kevin Friend reported that on Friday, August 30, 2024, just after 11 p.m., the Linn County Sheriff’s Communication Division received a call from a citizen reporting an injury at the Pleasanton Saddle Club, located at 10297 Scott Rd. It was reported by bystanders... [More]
USD 362 approves daycare policies
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La Cygne adopts 2025 city budget
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La Cygne municipal leaders have adopted their 2025 city budget. At their regular meeting Aug. 21, the council voted 4-1, with David Brenneman dissenting, to approve the budget as published. Brenneman said he objected to the process of developing the budget. Though the city’s... [More]
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SPORTS
Osawatomie cancels varsity football for 2024
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Osawatomie High School will not field a varsity football team for the 2024 season. According to the Osawatomie High School Facebook page, the school cancelled the varsity season due to the lack of upperclassmen competing. The school had the choice of choosing between cancelling... [More]
Season prediction for the Kansas City Chiefs
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Training camp is over and the pre-season is almost over as the Kansas City Chiefs attempt to be the first NFL team ever to win three championships in a row. It’s a tough task as any championship is but the Chiefs return a team that is better than the team that won the... [More]
More Sports
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COMMUNITY
Cultivating Kindness initiative coming to USD 346
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Not long ago, an idea was launched in the Jayhawk Linn USD 346 community that may change the scope of the year to come for the students in the district. As the school year was starting out, an idea was born that would bring a new initiative to the district, one that recognizes... [More]
Coleman on quest for Eagle Scout badge
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Hello my name is Aron J. Coleman, I am 14 years old and a Life Scout from Troop 101 in Louisburg, Kan. and I am going to do my Eagle Scout Project at the Mine Creek Battlefield because my community has done a lot for me; like let me do Cub and Boy Scouts, let us camp on the battlefield... [More]
Pleasanton seniors loving new meal site
On Monday, Aug. 5, the Pleasanton Senior Meals site managers served their first lunch in their new location, an event that was over a year in the making. The process began in early 2023 when the Linn County Commissioners opted to shut down and sell the former site and then... [More]
More Community
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