Man charged with first degree murder of Blue Rapid man

TOPEKA (KSNT) - A man who was already in jail is now facing murder charges in the death of a Blue Rapids man whose remains were found earlier this month in Marshall County.

Marshall County Attorney Brad Lippert announced Friday in a written statement his office has charged James Dean Winkenwader, 31, of Waterville, with murder in the first degree in the killing of Camoran Shoptese, 36, of Blue Rapids, on or about July 4, 2024.

According to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Shoptese last seen the night of July 4, in Blue Rapids. On July 10, KBI agents and Marshall County deputies found human remains believed to be those of Shoptese and evidence he was murdered.

KSNT 27 News spoke to Shoptese's family, who said he while his outward appearance may have been scary, he had a big heart and "would do anything for anyone in a heartbeat".

Winkenwader was already jailed in the Marshall County on a bond violation following a previous arrest for unrelated crimes. His bond is now set at $1 million.

For more crime news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.