Aidan Knowles of Shawnee, Lawrence Bar Shooting Claims 18 Year Teen’s Life; Family Starts Fundraiser

On the early morning of Saturday, January 16, a young life was tragically cut short outside the Hawk bar at 1340 Ohio Street in Lawrence. Aidan Knowles, an 18-year-old resident of Shawnee, was shot and killed around 2 a.m., suffering a gunshot wound that proved fatal at the scene. The incident also left a 16-year-old friend of Knowles critically injured, prompting police to respond swiftly and effectively.

Lawrence Police Department quickly gathered witness statements and identified two suspects involved in the shooting. Authorities located and arrested the suspects nearby without incident. Caiden Clem, 18, of Atchison, is facing potential charges of first-degree murder and aggravated assault. Daitron Daniels, also 18 and from Shawnee, is held on suspicion of first-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, and aggravated assault. The arrests mark a significant step in the investigation, but the community remains shaken by the violence that took an 18-year-old’s life.

Aidan Knowles’ family expressed their grief and heartbreak publicly. His father, Bobby Knowles, told reporters that his son was “simply in the wrong place at the wrong time,” emphasizing the senselessness of the violence. “We are completely devastated,” he shared on social media, grieving the loss of a young man with so much potential ahead of him. Knowles’ grandmother, Pamela Kirkpatrick, has taken an active role in rallying support by launching a GoFundMe campaign titled “Honoring Aidan’s Life and Legacy.” The fundraiser aims to cover funeral expenses and provide some sense of closure for a family devastated by the tragedy.

The shooting has sent ripples through the Lawrence community, raising questions about safety and violence among youth. Friends, family, and community members mourn the loss of Aidan, whose life was taken far too soon. The incident underscores ongoing concerns about gun violence and the importance of community efforts to prevent such tragedies in the future. As authorities continue their investigation, the family and community hold onto hope for justice, clarity, and healing amidst their grief.