Homicide investigation at El Dorado Correctional Facility

BUTLER COUNTY – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) are investigating a suspected homicide that occurred at the El Dorado Correctional Facility.

On Tuesday, Oct. 22, at approximately 5:30 p.m., the correctional facility notified the KBI of a suspicious death. By statute, the KBI investigates the deaths of prisoners in the custody of Kansas jails and prisons, unless the inmate who dies is being regularly attended by a physician, or the death is ruled natural by autopsy.

KBI agents responded to the facility to investigate. The investigation indicates that 40-year-old Brooks Vonthaer was found unresponsive in his cell by corrections officers at approximately 5 p.m. Vonthaer had sustained multiple fatal injuries. Medical personnel pronounced him deceased at 5:18 p.m.

A 34-year-old male suspect was identified. He is incarcerated at the facility and was Vonthaer’s cellmate.

The investigation is ongoing. Once it is completed, findings will be presented to the Butler County Attorney’s Office for determination of charges. At this time, charges are pending.