Thu Jul 24 02:50:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**Topeka Boy, 2, Found Safe in Illinois; Suspect in Double Homicide Arrested**

**MATTOON, IL (July 22, 2025)** – A two-year-old boy, Zabe Mendez, who was forcibly taken from his mother in Topeka, Kansas, on Friday, has been found safe in Mattoon, Illinois. An Amber Alert was issued earlier today after the Topeka Police Department was notified of the abduction.

According to investigators, Mendez was taken from his mother in the area of NE Wabash and NE State St. by Christopher K. Barnshaw, 32, the suspect in a double homicide that occurred in Topeka. Two individuals were found dead inside a house near where Mendez was abducted. Barnshaw is believed to have taken Mendez, the child of one of the victims, as he fled in a stolen vehicle.

The Mattoon Police Department was alerted that the kidnapping suspect may be in their area. Shortly after 12:15 p.m., officers spotted the stolen vehicle on Route 16 near Beachtree Rd. and initiated a traffic stop. Barnshaw was arrested and found to be carrying a concealed firearm. Mendez was located unharmed in the back seat.

Barnshaw has been charged with aggravated kidnapping and unlawful use of a weapon in Illinois and is currently being held in the Coles County Jail. Mattoon Police are coordinating with Topeka authorities to reunite Mendez with his family.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact 1-800-KS-CRIME.

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