Erick Sanchez, 29, of Manhattan, was arrested at approximately 8:14 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025 in the 300 block of Kansas Avenue in Topeka during a joint effort with the Topeka Police Department and Kansas Highway Patrol. Sanchez has been charged with second-degree murder, aggravated assault and criminal threat. Sanchez was issued a total bond of $1,000,000 and remains confined in the Riley County Jail at the time of this release.
Officers responded to the 800 block of Colorado at approximately 12:17 a.m. on Dec. 6 for a reported welfare check of an injured man. Upon arrival, officers located 36-year-old Mark Rickenbaker, of Manhattan. During the investigation, officers discovered Rickenbaker had been involved in an altercation prior to their arrival. Rickenbaker, who was transported to Via Christi Hospital with serious injuries, later died, as a result of those injuries.
This is an ongoing investigation, so no further details will be released at this time.
RCPD would like to thank the public for its help in this case, as well as the Kansas Highway Patrol and the Topeka Police Department for their assistance.