WICHITA, KS – A confrontation at a local massage parlor turned fatal when a 71-year-old employee exchanged gunfire with an alleged robber on Wednesday afternoon. The incident occurred at Beijing Massage, located at 2723 Boulevard Plaza, an area near Lincoln and George Washington Blvd.
Wichita police reported that upon their arrival at the scene around 3:30 p.m., they discovered 44-year-old Robexy Figueroa from Wyoming inside the business, deceased from multiple gunshot wounds. The initial investigation suggests that Figueroa was attempting to rob the establishment when he was confronted by the employee.
The elderly employee, whose name has not been released, was also shot multiple times during the altercation. He was rushed to a local hospital where he underwent surgery. Authorities have stated that he is expected to survive his injuries.
Captain Aaron Moses of the Wichita Police Department briefed the media, stating, “At this preliminary stage, it is believed that the deceased male was attempting to commit an armed robbery of the business and there was an exchange of gunfire. The injured male is believed to be an employee.”
The incident highlights the potential dangers faced by businesses and their employees, underscoring the reality that violent confrontations can occur unexpectedly. The case will be forwarded to the district attorney’s office for review to determine all aspects of the shooting, including the justification of the use of deadly force in self-defense.