A shocking murder case from Wichita has revealed disturbing allegations of domestic abuse, a troubled marriage, and a deadly confrontation that ended in tragedy. Authorities say a Kansas man allegedly shot and killed his estranged wife during an argument outside her apartment complex.
Joshua Orlando, 29, has been charged with first-degree intentional and premeditated murder in connection with the death of 25-year-old Ivy Unruh, according to Sedgwick County court records.
Woman Shot Outside Wichita Apartment Complex
The incident happened on the morning of April 17 at the Remington Apartments located on East 37th Street North in Wichita. Police officers responded to reports of a shooting shortly after 8 a.m.
When authorities arrived at the scene, they found Ivy Unruh lying near Building 5 with a serious gunshot wound to her upper body. A firearm was also discovered nearby. She was rushed to a hospital for treatment but sadly died a few days later from her injuries.
Investigators later confirmed that Joshua Orlando himself allegedly made the 911 call after the shooting.
911 Call Revealed Chilling Statements
According to court documents obtained by local media, Orlando admitted during the emergency call that he had shot his wife after an argument.
In the call, he allegedly told dispatchers that he and Unruh had gotten into a fight after he arrived at her apartment to drop off some belongings. Orlando claimed Unruh became angry after seeing him and allegedly hit him during the argument.
At one point in the call, Orlando reportedly said:
“I shot her, I shot her.”
Police said that when officers arrived, Orlando was taken into custody. However, he was also heard crying and asking emergency responders to help Unruh. Authorities said he allegedly told paramedics:
“I know she didn’t mean to hurt me.”
Victim Was Preparing to Leave
The probable cause affidavit described a heartbreaking crime scene. Investigators said Ivy Unruh appeared ready to leave the apartment complex when the shooting happened.
She was found lying near a staircase with blood coming from her nose. A black backpack was still strapped to her shoulder, and she was holding a plastic bag containing a Nintendo Switch gaming console. Her purse remained on her arm.
Police also found a black Sig Sauer P365 9mm handgun near her body, which investigators believe belonged to Orlando.
History of Alleged Abuse Emerges
As the investigation continued, police uncovered allegations of past abuse within the couple’s relationship.
A leasing agent at the apartment complex reportedly told investigators that Unruh specifically rented the apartment because she wanted to escape an abusive former partner. She was also interested in the building’s security features for protection.
According to investigators, Unruh asked the leasing office not to contact her previous landlord because that person was allegedly connected to Orlando.
Court records show Unruh filed for divorce in August 2025. In the divorce paperwork, she reportedly stated that Orlando would keep his pistol while she would keep possession of the Nintendo Switch.
Coworkers Reportedly Saw Bruises
Ivy Unruh worked as a broadcast engineer for PBS Kansas. During interviews with investigators, her supervisor allegedly shared concerns about abuse in the relationship.
According to police documents, the supervisor said Unruh had separated from Orlando due to verbal and physical abuse. The supervisor also claimed to have seen bruises on Unruh both in person and in photographs.
Meanwhile, Orlando reportedly told investigators that the marriage was ending for several reasons, including accusations that Unruh had cheated on him.
Argument Before the Shooting
Police said the couple had recently been communicating about studying together since both attended classes and could share notes. However, the conversations reportedly turned into more arguments.
On the day of the shooting, Orlando allegedly went to Unruh’s apartment to return some of her belongings, including the Nintendo Switch.
According to investigators, surveillance footage showed Unruh leaving her apartment at 8:00:15 a.m. Orlando later claimed that when she saw him waiting near the stairs, she appeared shocked and angry.
He told investigators that after handing her the gaming console, another argument started. Orlando alleged that Unruh swung the bag containing the Switch and hit him on the face.
He claimed the impact triggered memories of an earlier fight involving a replica Zelda sword during a past argument.
Defendant Claims He “Blind Fired” the Gun
According to the affidavit, Orlando told police that after being struck, he pulled out his handgun and covered his face with one arm before firing a single shot.
He allegedly insisted he was not aiming and described the shooting as “blind firing.”
Investigators reviewed surveillance footage and determined that the gunshot occurred just 52 seconds after 8 a.m. Records also show the 911 call was made only 21 seconds later.
