Arrest Made in Connection with Fatal Kansas Knife Attack

DOUGLAS COUNTY — Authorities in Lawrence have apprehended a suspect in connection with a fatal knife attack that claimed the life of Chrystal White.

Lawrence Police announced the arrest of 40-year-old Julius Robert Beasley of Lawrence on Monday.

Emergency responders discovered the body of 51-year-old Chrystal White, who had sustained apparent stab wounds, in a tent located just north of the city’s sanctioned camp near 100 Maple by the Kansas River in Lawrence, early on the morning of February 22. White was pronounced dead at the scene, according to a statement from Lawrence Police Department spokesperson Laura McCabe.

Following the discovery of the victim, patrol officers swiftly initiated interviews with witnesses, prompting the investigations unit’s involvement. A suspect, later identified as Julius Robert Beasley, was swiftly pinpointed, leading to an extensive area canvass. The Lawrence Police Unoccupied Aerial Vehicle (Drone) and Patrol Service Dog Units were also deployed to aid in the investigation.

By approximately 9:00 am, law enforcement located Julius Robert Beasley at Burcham Park and detained him for questioning, based on unrelated warrants issued in Douglas County.

With Beasley already in custody, investigators were able to conduct a thorough examination of the incident prior to effecting the arrest. Collaboration with the Douglas County District Attorney’s office played a crucial role in the investigation, leading to the formal arrest of Beasley on charges of 1st Degree Murder and Felony Interference.

As per records from the Kansas Department of Corrections, Beasley has a history of prior convictions for Criminal threat, burglary, and drug offenses.