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Inset: Aidan Sullivan Knowles (Alden Harrington Funeral Home). Background: The Hawk Bar in Lawrence, Kansas, where Knowles was shot to death (KSHB).
Two young men from Kansas are facing serious charges after a tragic incident at a college town bar ended with the death of a teenager and injuries to another. The family of the deceased teen described him as being “at the wrong place at the wrong time.”
Caiden Clem, 18, is facing a first-degree murder charge, while Daitron Daniels-Strickland, also 18, has been charged with second-degree murder following the death of Aidan Sullivan Knowles, also 18. The shooting also left a 16-year-old boy injured, although he survived. In addition to the murder charges, Clem is facing two counts of aggravated assault, and Daniels-Strickland is charged with two counts of attempted murder.
Law enforcement in Lawrence was alerted to a shooting incident at the Hawk Bar, located at 1340 Ohio Street near Kansas University, at approximately 2 a.m. on January 17. Upon arrival, police discovered two victims and were informed by witnesses that the suspects had fled the scene. The officers quickly apprehended the suspects just a few blocks away.
Medical personnel declared Knowles dead at the scene, while the injured 16-year-old was transported to a hospital, where he was last reported to be in critical condition.
According to a probable cause affidavit obtained by local media outlets, including NBC affiliate KSHB and the Kansas City Star, the incident stemmed from separate groups, including the victims and suspects, clashing with bar staff after a night of drinking. After being ejected from the bar, Clem allegedly fired several shots into the air outside. Subsequently, Daniels-Strickland allegedly discharged a semi-automatic weapon towards the bar entrance, where Knowles and the other teen were standing.
Later, Clem denied to detectives that he fired any shots or even heard any. Daniels-Strickland admitted to firing his weapon, claiming he was “scared” when he fired the shots, according to cops. In a motion for immunity, Daniels-Strickland”s lawyer said his client thought someone was shooting at him when Clem fired the initial shots and he returned fire in self-defense. He fired into a wall outside the bar and not at anyone in particular, the motion said.
But Daniels-Strickland also allegedly said that it was maybe a “good thing he caught a body on his first adult charge.” Both are in the Douglas County Jail. They have a court date set for Feb. 10.
Knowles’ father, Bobby Knowles, wrote on Facebook that his son was “simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
“We are completely devastated,” he wrote.
Aidan Knowles graduated from high school last year, according to his obituary.
“He was known for his athleticism, and loved playing baseball and wrestling. Aidan excelled at wrestling, in high school he lettered in the sport and he placed 4th at the USA Kids Wrestling Championships in 2025,” the obituary said.