Caiden Clem and Daitron Lamont Daniels LAWRENCE, Kansas — A devastating early-morning shooting near a popular bar has left the Lawrence community reeling after two young men were identified as victims in a fatal incident that claimed one life and critically injured another.
Police responded to reports of gunfire at The Hawk, a bar located near the University of Kansas campus, just before 2:00 a.m. on Saturday. Officers arriving at the scene found two males suffering from gunshot wounds and spoke with several witnesses who reported that the suspected shooters fled the area on foot. Officers immediately provided aid to the victims and secured witness accounts.
As detectives worked the scene, other officers located a group of people matching the suspects’ descriptions just blocks away and took them into custody for questioning. Through the course of the investigation, probable cause was established to support criminal charges. Two suspects were booked into the Douglas County Correctional Facility on multiple charges including murder and aggravated assault.
The incident tragically resulted in the death of 18-year-old Caiden Clem, who was pronounced deceased at the scene. A second victim, 16-year-old Daitron Lamont Daniels, was transported by ambulance to an area trauma center where he remains in critical condition. Family members have been notified, and police confirmed they will wait the requisite 24 hours before releasing additional details about the deceased.
Community leaders and police have expressed deep sorrow over the violence and emphasized efforts to support those affected while the investigation continues. Authorities continue to gather evidence and have urged anyone with further information to come forward as they work to determine the full circumstances surrounding the shooting.
The loss of young life in this tragic event has deeply affected families, friends, and neighbors throughout Lawrence as the community seeks answers and healing in the wake of profound grief.