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New attorney for suspect in fatal shooting of Washburn player

Dwane Simmons photo Washburn Athletics
Francisco Mendez photo Shawnee Co.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A man charged in the shooting death of a former Washburn University football player and the wounding of current New York Giants cornerback Corey Ballentine has a new attorney.

KiAnn Caprice was appointed this week to defend 18-year-old Francisco Mendez, who faces 12 charges after the April 28 shooting that killed Dwane Simmons. The appointment came after Mendez’s previous attorney withdrew from the case.

Last month, Mendez pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder, four counts of attempted murder and seven other counts. Simmons, Ballentine and three other Washburn players were shot at as they celebrated after Ballentine was drafted by the Giants earlier in the day.

Investigators have said at least three guns were used in the shooting.

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