Terica Gardner Arrested for Arson and Murder in Topeka

Terica M. Gardner, 31, was arrested in connection with the October 6th death of David S. Blevens, who was found dead in a house fire in central Topeka. The fire was determined to be arson, and Gardner faces charges including first-degree murder, aggravated arson, and burglary, although no formal charges have been filed yet. Gardner is also being held in a separate case involving domestic battery and criminal damage to property. The identity of Blevens, found on the second floor of the burning house, was confirmed weeks after the incident due to difficulties in notifying next of kin. This incident marks the 15th homicide in Topeka for 2024. In a separate case, Topeka police are investigating another homicide where Ricky R. Washington was fatally shot, marking the city’s 17th homicide investigation of the year.