Two women in Kansas have been apprehended for reportedly assaulting and causing significant harm to a young girl by hurling a substance with corrosive properties directly at her face.
Ye’Kira Hollins and Tayronnia West, both 18, were apprehended on Wednesday and face charges of aggravated assault in connection with the brutal assault on Passion Turner.
Authorities from the Wichita Police Department are continuing their efforts to locate a young female suspect involved in a recent assault.
Officers were dispatched to the 400 block of North Young Avenue in response to a disturbance, as stated in a news release. The incident occurred around noon on Sunday, May 26, after a 911 call was made. A victim named Passion Turner was taken to a nearby hospital after sustaining second-degree burns to her face and neck. According to the police, it is suspected that the burns were caused by someone throwing an acid liquid on her during a physical altercation.
Contrary to what local news outlets have stated, the police in their news release clarified that the victim of the acid attack is 18 years old.
Right after the reported incident, patrol officers and investigators from the department’s Felony Assault Unit started searching for two adult female suspects and one juvenile female suspect.
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Officers from the Patrol North Community Response Team successfully apprehended two 18-year-old suspects, Hollins and West, on June 5, 2024, in relation to the attack. The third suspect remains at large. Authorities provided details about her as a teenager of African American descent hailing from Topeka, Kansas.
“Our department has a zero-tolerance policy towards violence of any kind within our community,” stated Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan, emphasizing the commitment to maintaining safety. “Ensuring the safety and well-being of every resident is our top priority, and our agency is fully committed to taking all necessary actions to hold individuals accountable for violent actions like this.”
Paris Polite, the victim’s older sister, shared details of the attack on her sibling with Hutchinson, Kansas CBS affiliate KWCH. She revealed that she was acquainted with the assailants, and one of them was even her former “best friend.”
“It was a confrontation between long-time friends, if you want to call it that,” Polite told the station. Their friendship took a dark turn, spiraling out of control.
According to Polite, her sister’s connection to the two arrested suspects suggests that the attack was preplanned. It occurred in front of her sister’s friend’s house and had severe consequences for the victim.
It was a deliberate attack. Her face and neck on the right side. There were some droplets that landed on her chest, and it appeared to have splashed a bit towards the left side of her face,” Polite explained, gesturing with her hand. Upon catching a glimpse of her own reflection, an overwhelming surge of emotions overcame her, resulting in a flood of tears. The situation is not favorable. She appears different from her usual self.
The victim’s family kindly asked news outlets to avoid sharing any pictures of Passion Polite following the accident. A crowdfunding campaign has been established to assist with the financial burden of Passion Polite’s medical bills.
Although we have insurance, it unfortunately does not provide coverage for any cosmetic surgeries she may require or assist with her relocation. We are currently facing a challenging situation and are in need of assistance. Any contribution would be greatly appreciated,” the fundraising page states.
Hollins and West are currently in custody at the Sedgwick County Jail. According to records, their bonds have been set at $150,000, according to records reviewed by Law&Crime.
