Shanna Kay Whitton faces felony murder and other charges for allegedly asphyxiating her 15-month-old son Matthew in August 2025, one month after setting a fire in his bedroom. The Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office ruled the death a homicide following an autopsy. Whitton has been in custody since her October 2025 arrest on arson charges.
Shanna Kay Whitton, 31, of Clearwater, Kansas, stands accused of first-degree felony murder, child abuse, aggravated child endangerment, and aggravated arson in the death of her son Matthew Whitton. The incident occurred on August 25, 2025, at Mimosa Arms Apartments on East Janet Street, about 25 miles southwest of Wichita. Responding officers found the boy unconscious and not breathing; he died three days later at a Wichita hospital despite lifesaving efforts. Initially, Whitton claimed the toddler had choked on food, with neighbors recalling varying stories such as a meatball or Spaghetti-Os. Authorities later connected the death to a July 2025 fire intentionally set in Matthew's bedroom while he was inside. Fire investigators confirmed the arson, and Whitton faced initial charges on six counts of aggravated arson and two counts of arson in October 2025. An autopsy completed in January 2026 determined Matthew died from complications of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy due to intentional asphyxia, with his manner of death ruled a homicide. The complaint alleges Whitton impeded the child's breathing by blocking his nose and/or mouth and endangered him during the fire. Earlier this month, detectives presented findings to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's Office. Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeff Easter emphasized the thorough investigation, stating to KAKE, 'These investigations take time because we have a responsibility to get them right. Our detectives are committed to putting the pieces together and being a voice for children who can't speak for themselves.' Detectives are also probing the July 2024 death of Whitton's 2-year-old daughter, Gypsy Rose, known as Jolene 'Jojo' Naomi Whitton. The sheriff noted additional abuse incidents, including near-drownings and another choking.