Lawrence Bar Shooting Victim Aidan Knowles; Caiden Clem and Daitron Daniels Face Murder Charges
LAWRENCE KANSAS, Lawrence police have identified 18-year-old Aidan Joseph Knowles as the victim killed in a shooting early Saturday morning outside the Jayhawk Cafe, a popular college bar in downtown Lawrence, Kansas. The shooting also critically injured a 16-year-old boy, who authorities said is one of Knowles’ close friends.
The incident occurred just after 1:50 a.m. near closing time at the Jayhawk Cafe, located at 1340 Ohio St. and commonly known as The Hawk. Officers responded to reports of gunfire and arrived to find two victims suffering from gunshot wounds, reportedly on the patio near the bar’s main westside entrance.
Aidan Knowles, a Lawrence-area resident, was pronounced dead at the scene. The 16-year-old victim was taken by ambulance to LMH Health in critical condition. A radio report indicated the teen suffered a single gunshot wound to the left chest with no exit wound and was conscious and alert during transport. He was later transferred to Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri, where his condition was upgraded to stable. His family has not released further updates.
In a Facebook post, Aidan’s father, Bobby Knowles, confirmed his son’s death and said the injured teen was one of Aidan’s close friends.
“Unfortunately, the news is true. Our son, Aidan, was shot and killed outside a bar in Lawrence early yesterday morning,” he wrote. “One of his close friends was also shot and, by the grace of God, survived against all odds. We have learned that our son was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. We are completely devastated.”
Two 18-year-old suspects have been arrested and charged in connection with the shooting. Daitron Lamont Daniels, of Shawnee, is charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and aggravated assault. Caiden Carl Ralph Clem, of Atchison, is charged with felony murder and aggravated assault. Both were booked into the Douglas County Jail and are being held without bond.
Law enforcement officials said multiple witnesses provided suspect descriptions, and the two suspects were located and arrested a few blocks from the scene without incident. The Lawrence Police Department was assisted by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the University of Kansas Police Department.
Lawrence Police Department Major Hayden Fowler described the shooting as a “senseless act” and praised the coordinated law enforcement response.
“When criminals come to Lawrence, Kansas, to perpetrate their crimes, they should know that the Lawrence Police Department will work quickly and decisively to bring them to justice,” Fowler said, adding that the response of officers, K-9 units, and the sheriff’s drone team was “heroic.”
In his statement, Bobby Knowles also thanked first responders and investigators.
“My wife and I would like to sincerely thank the Lawrence Police Department and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office for handling this tragedy with professionalism, compassion, and dedication,” he wrote. “To Lawrence Fire & EMS—thank you from the bottom of our hearts for doing everything possible to save our son and for saving his friend’s life.”
The investigation remains ongoing, and police have not released additional details about the circumstances leading up to the shooting.
Funeral arrangements for Aidan Knowles will be announced by the family at a later time.
