Topeka police say son stabbed dad 57 times
TOPEKA (KSNT) – Robert Fapp stabbed his dad 57 times in Topeka’s Potwin neighborhood, according to a police affidavit obtained by KSNT 27 News. He also turned the knife on his mother.
The document outlines Katherine Fapp’s plea for help as she called 911 to explain her son was stabbing his father, her husband, with a knife.
When police got to the home, they said they found Katherine Fapp bleeding heavily on the front porch of the home, located in the 400 block of Woodlawn. When they went inside, they found Robert Fapp on top of his father, Ross Fapp, in an upstairs bedroom.
Robert, 38, was straddling Ross and struggling with him for control over a knife, police said. Both of Ross' hands were wrapped around the blade of the knife while Robert tried to push it into his father's chest.
Officers restrained Robert, taking him into custody. Ross and Katherine were rushed to an area hospital for treatment of their wounds. Ross was declared dead shortly afterward at the hospital. It was found that Ross had been stabbed 57 times.
In an interview at the hospital, Katherine told investigators she was painting in an office when Ross ran into the room saying, "He's trying to stab me!" Katherine walked outside the office, where Robert then attacked her, puncturing one of her lungs with his knife.
Ross jumped between his son and wife to stop the attack, according to the affidavit. Robert then started stabbing Ross and Katherine ran outside to call 911.
The Shawnee County District Attorney charged Robert in connection to the stabbing on April 19. He was charged with the following:
- Murder in the first degree; premeditation
- Murder in the first degree; inherently dangerous felony
- Two counts of mistreatment of a dependent adult or elder person; physical injury, unreasonable confinement or unreasonable punishment
- Attempted murder in the first degree; premeditation
- Aggravated battery; intentional, great bodily harm
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