Man accused of kidnapping 2-year-old nephew, killing toddler’s mom and grandpa

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW/Gray News) - A toddler has been reunited with his father after a man accused of killing the boy’s mother and grandfather kidnapped him.

Robby Mendez said his 2-year-old son made it back home to him Tuesday night.

“He was exhausted, but safe and unharmed,” Robby Mendez said. “Today, he’s doing well and seems happy, but we know the road ahead is unpredictable and won’t be easy.”

Mendez said the boy’s mother, Ashley, and his grandfather, Sean, were found dead Tuesday morning at a home in the 500 block of NE Wabash.

“Ashley and Sean were both truly good people, and they will be deeply loved and missed by many,” he said.

According to Mendez, the accused kidnapper, identified as Christopher Barnshaw, was Ashley’s brother and Sean’s son.

“This is a heartbreaking example of what it can mean to ‘love someone to death.’ Christopher struggled with serious mental health issues, and, despite everything, they never gave up on him,” Mendez said. “In the end, their love and compassion for him ultimately cost them their lives.”

Topeka police officers said the situation started that morning when officers were called to the family’s home for a welfare check and found two bodies inside.

Authorities issued an Amber Alert for the boy after they learned of his disappearance.

Matton police in Illinois said they received an alert that Barnshaw was believed to be in their area later that day. They said an officer conducted a traffic stop after noticing the suspect’s reported stolen vehicle and took Barnshaw into custody.

The missing boy was found in the back seat of the car, unharmed.

Mendez said he is trying to be strong for his son after the ordeal, while thanking everyone for their help.

“I want to thank everyone who prayed for us and reached out to check on us. I’m also incredibly grateful to all the law enforcement agencies involved in bringing my son home quickly and safely,” he said. “Even with everything going on, they never treated me like a suspect and gave me the space to grieve in peace. That meant more than they probably know.”