Lawrence, January 20, 2026
A shooting at The Hawk bar in Lawrence resulted in the death of 18-year-old Aidan Knowles and left a 16-year-old boy, Brady Clark, critically injured. The incident, occurring in the early morning hours, has devastated the community and led to the swift arrest of two suspects, both 18 years old, who now face serious charges. The families of the victims are seeking support as they navigate their tragic loss and the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding this violent act.
Lawrence
A recent shooting incident at a well-known bar in Lawrence tragically claimed the life of an 18-year-old and left a 16-year-old critically wounded. The event, which unfolded in the early hours of Saturday, January 17, 2026, at The Hawk, also known as Jayhawk Cafe, quickly led to the apprehension of two 18-year-old individuals now facing severe charges related to murder and assault. This violent act has deeply impacted the community and prompted a swift response from local law enforcement.
Tragedy Strikes at Popular Lawrence Establishment
Emergency services were dispatched to The Hawk, situated at 1340 Ohio Street, in the vicinity of the University of Kansas campus, around 2 a.m. on Saturday. Officers arriving at the scene discovered two teenagers suffering from gunshot wounds, prompting an immediate medical response.
Victims Identified Amidst Community Grief
The 18-year-old victim who tragically died at the scene has been identified as Aidan Knowles. His passing was first announced through a heartfelt social media post by his father, Bobby Knowles, a message that was subsequently re-shared by the Lawrence Police Department to confirm the identity. In his poignant statement, Bobby Knowles conveyed the family’s devastation, describing Aidan as someone who was “simply in the wrong place at the wrong time”. The family has expressed immense grief and is seeking support for funeral expenses, highlighting the sudden and senseless nature of their loss.
The second victim, a 16-year-old boy identified as Brady Clark, sustained critical injuries. He was rushed to Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri, where he is currently receiving intensive care for a single gunshot wound to his left chest. Brady’s family, including his parents Kristin, Chris, and Jessica Clark, also utilized social media to identify him and provide updates on his condition. They characterized both Brady and Aidan as “innocent bystanders caught in the middle of a senseless act of violence,” underscoring that their son suffered “critical injuries” but survived due to the “tireless efforts of first responders and medical staff”. The Clark family has extended their profound gratitude to all emergency personnel and medical teams involved in their son’s care, as well as to the community for their prayers and support.
Apprehension of Suspects
In a rapid response following the shooting, Lawrence police officers were able to locate and apprehend two suspects just a few blocks from The Hawk. These arrests occurred swiftly after witness descriptions were gathered at the scene. The individuals taken into custody are both 18 years old.
- One suspect, identified as Daitron Lamont Daniels Strickland of Shawnee, has been arrested on suspicion of multiple serious charges. These include first-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, and aggravated assault.
- The second suspect, Caiden Carl Ralph Clem of Atchison, faces charges on suspicion of felony murder and aggravated assault.
Both suspects are currently being held in the Douglas County jail. They are being held on bonds set at $1 million each. Formal charges are pending as the cases await review by prosecutors. The Douglas County District Court was closed on Monday in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which may affect the immediate progression of these legal proceedings.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Safety
Initial police reports indicate that the shooting occurred on the outdoor patio area of The Hawk, situated near the bar’s westside entrance. However, a spokeswoman for the Lawrence Police Department, Laura McCabe, has clarified that the ongoing investigation currently suggests both Aidan and Brady had entered the bar building at some point during the evening. As a result, the police department is actively investigating whether The Hawk may have violated any regulations or laws pertaining to the presence of minors within a licensed drinking establishment.
Authorities have commended the professionalism and efficiency of the responding officers, highlighting their crucial role in swiftly securing the crime scene and apprehending the suspects. This decisive action was instrumental in containing the situation and mitigating any further potential risks to the surrounding community. The investigation is exhaustive, with detectives diligently working to uncover all circumstances surrounding this tragic incident. The community remains shaken by the violence, while families of the victims seek justice and healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened in Lawrence on January 17, 2026?
- An 18-year-old was killed and a 16-year-old was critically injured in a shooting at The Hawk bar, also known as Jayhawk Cafe, in Lawrence, Kansas. The incident occurred around 2 a.m..
- Who were the victims of the Lawrence bar shooting?
- The deceased victim was identified as 18-year-old Aidan Knowles. The critically injured victim was 16-year-old Brady Clark.
- Where did the shooting take place?
- The shooting occurred at The Hawk, also known as Jayhawk Cafe, located at 1340 Ohio Street in Lawrence, near the University of Kansas campus. Reports indicate it happened on the outdoor patio area.
- Who are the suspects arrested in connection with the shooting?
- Two 18-year-old men, Daitron Lamont Daniels Strickland of Shawnee and Caiden Carl Ralph Clem of Atchison, have been arrested.
- What charges are the suspects facing?
- Daitron Lamont Daniels Strickland faces charges on suspicion of first-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, and aggravated assault. Caiden Carl Ralph Clem faces charges on suspicion of felony murder, and aggravated assault.
- What is the current condition of the surviving victim?
- 16-year-old Brady Clark is in critical condition and is being treated at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. He suffered a single gunshot wound to the left chest.
Key Details of the Lawrence Bar Shooting
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | Saturday, January 17, 2026 |
| Time of Incident | Approximately 2 a.m. |
| Location | The Hawk (Jayhawk Cafe), 1340 Ohio Street, Lawrence, Kansas |
| Deceased Victim | 18-year-old Aidan Knowles |
| Injured Victim | 16-year-old Brady Clark (critical condition) |
| Suspect 1 | 18-year-old Daitron Lamont Daniels Strickland (Shawnee) |
| Suspect 2 | 18-year-old Caiden Carl Ralph Clem (Atchison) |
| Charges (Strickland) | Suspicion of first-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, aggravated assault |
| Charges (Clem) | Suspicion of felony murder, aggravated assault |
| Current Status | Suspects held on $1 million bond; formal charges pending prosecutorial review |
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Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
