On the night of Friday, January 9, 2026, a tragic shooting in Girard, Kansas, claimed the life of an 18-year-old high school senior and football player. The incident occurred at Franklin Park, a local park situated near the 400 block of West St. John Street, a short distance from Girard High School.
Adam Basauri, described by his community as a bright, respectful, and loving young man with a beautiful smile, was found at the park with severe gunshot wounds after police responded to a shooting call. Despite the immediate response from emergency personnel, Adam was pronounced dead at the scene.
A 17-year-old boy, who has been identified in court documents and police statements as a childhood friend of Adam’s, was subsequently arrested and charged in connection with the death. The Crawford County Attorney’s Office has charged the juvenile with first-degree murder. The suspect’s name has not been officially released by authorities due to his status as a minor.
Investigators believe the shooting stemmed from a dispute over a female acquaintance, according to statements made in court. The nature of their prior friendship and the sudden, violent turn of events has sent waves of shock and grief through the small, tight-knit community of Girard, where both young men were known.
Adam Basauri was a senior at Girard High School, where he was a valued running back on the football team. He had plans to attend Pittsburg State University in the fall of 2026. Remembered as a polite son, a good friend, and a dedicated athlete who “pour[ed] his heart and soul” into everything he did, his loss is deeply felt by his family, classmates, teammates, and the entire town.
The suspect made his first court appearance on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. As the case involves a juvenile, the proceedings and specific evidentiary details may not be fully public. The Crawford County Sheriff’s Office and the Girard Police Department continue their investigation into the precise circumstances that led to the fatal encounter at Franklin Park.