RCPD Release

At approximately 11:36 AM on November 5, 2024, officers with the Riley County Police Department responded to a report of a stabbing in the 3000 block of Arbor Drive. Upon arrival, officers located Tabatha Deer, 24, of Mountain Home, Arkansas, who had sustained multiple stab wounds.

Deer was initially transported by EMS to Ascension Via Christi Hospital for treatment. She was later airlifted to Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka, where she succumbed to her injuries.

The suspect, Hunter Smith, 24, of Manhattan, was apprehended at the scene yesterday and taken into custody before being transported to Stormont Vail Hospital for treatment of his injuries. Today, Smith was formally arrested on charges of first-degree murder, with bond set at $1 million.

This is an active and ongoing investigation. Additional details will be released as they become available.