TOPEKA (KSNT) – The Topeka Police Department has arrested two people on first-degree murder charges in connection with the death of a five-year-old girl.
Police responded to a medical call in the 500 block of Southwest Buchanan Street on Jan. 27 at 6:25 p.m., police announced in a news release. Officers arriving at the scene found a five-year-old girl who was transported by AMR to a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Woman charged in 2025 killing of child in Topeka
The five-year-old girl later died from her injuries, TPD said. Police arrested Lia J. Corbin, 24, and Kyle Valle, 35, both of Topeka, in connection with the girl’s death.
The charges against Valle and Corbin include first-degree murder, aggravated child endangerment and child abuse. Police confirmed the two men were related to the victim and lived at the same residence.
Photos of Kyle J. Valle (right) and Lia J. Corbin (left). (Photo courtesy of Shawnee County Department of Corrections)
Police release names of victims in downtown Topeka crash
During the TPD press conference, police also asked people to submit any tips or information regarding the shooting death of 43-year-old Stella M. Mahkuk.
On January 3 at 2:05 p.m., police received a report of a shooting in the 800 block of Southwest Taylor Street. Officers who arrived at the scene found a person, later identified as Mahkuk, suffering from a gunshot wound. She later died from her injuries.
Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact police at telltpd@topeka.org or 785-368-9400. You can also provide an anonymous tip to Shawnee County Crime Stoppers by calling 785-234-0007 or clicking here.
Topeka police make major changes to body camera policy
For more crime news, click here. Get the latest breaking news in Northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and signing up for our news email alerts. Click here to sign up for our Storm Track Weather App.
Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
