Zabe is 2 feet 5 inches tall and weighs around 40 pounds. He has brown hair and brown eyes. His clothing description is currently unknown.

July 20, 2025

• Zabe was forcibly taken from his mother on July 20 in the 500 block of NE Wabash by an unknown suspect. Authorities believe the toddler is in imminent danger.

July 22, 2025

• 9:50 AM: The Topeka Police Department responded to a welfare check in the 500 block of N.E. Wabash Avenue. Upon arrival, officers discovered two deceased individuals at the residence: Zabe Mendez, a child, and his grandfather. During the initial investigation, detectives determined that Zabe had been abducted.   Source
• 11:00 AM: The Topeka Police Department sent a report of a child abduction that occurred on July 20, 2025. The missing child, Zabe Mendez, was forcibly taken from his mother by an unknown suspect. Topeka police have confirmed that two deceased individuals, Ashley Brown, and Sean Thornton, were found at the Oakland home where Zabe was reported to be abducted this past Friday.
• 11:40 PM: Amber Alert issued   Source
• Investigators say the mother’s white four-door Lexus IS 250, with possible Kansas license plate 4003AHF, is also missing. Suspect with child is   Christopher Barnshaw
• 12:16 PM: A Mattoon Police Department officer conducting a traffic stop observed the suspect vehicle—associated with the abduction of Zabe Mendez—traveling eastbound on Route 16. The officer began following the vehicle toward Charleston, Illinois, while coordinating with additional units.
• 12:25 PM: Law enforcement successfully located and stopped the suspect vehicle at the intersection of Route 16 and Beechtree Road.
• Suspect: Christopher Kayson Warren Barnshaw was taken into custody without incident.
• Victim: Zabe Mendez was found in the backseat of the vehicle and was unharmed.
• Evidence: A firearm was discovered in Barnshaw’s possession during the arrest.
• The child was immediately secured and transported for medical evaluation and reunification with family.
• 12:45 PM: AMBER ALERT CANCELED CHILD LOCATED SAFE. Zabe and the Suspect Christopher Barnshaw were located in Mantoon, IL at 12:25 pm and are in custody with local authorities.   Source
• 1:00 PM: The Topeka Police Department hold a press conference   Source
• 10:30 PM: Zabe reunited with his father Robby Mendez.

July 23, 2025

• Shawnee County District Attorney Mike Kagay filed charges against 32-year-old Christopher Barnshaw for murder of his sister Ashley Brown, 29 and Sean Thornton, 55, and then kidnapping Brown’s son.
• Murder in the First Degree (Premeditation) –Off Grid Felony
• Murder in the First Degree (Premeditation) –Off Grid Felony
• Aggravated Burglary of a Dwelling- Level 4 Felony
• Aggravated Endangering a Child- Level 9 Felony
• Kidnapping; Flight or the commission of any crime-Level 3 Felony
• Barnshaw’s bond for his Shawnee County case is set at $10 million
• Barnshaw is fighting extradition and a status hearing scheduled in 30 days

July 24, 2025

• Zabe’s father, Robby Mendez, said his 2-year-old son was safely returned to him on Tuesday night. “He was exhausted, but safe and unharmed,” Mendez shared. “Today, he’s doing well and seems happy, but we know the road ahead is unpredictable and won’t be easy.” Earlier that morning, Mendez said the boy’s mother, Ashley, and grandfather, Sean, were found deceased at a residence in the 500 block of NE Wabash.  Source

“Ashley and Sean were both truly good people, and they will be deeply loved and missed by many,” he said.

According to Mendez, the accused kidnapper, identified as Christopher Barnshaw, was Ashley’s brother and Sean’s son.

“This is a heartbreaking example of what it can mean to ‘love someone to death.’ Christopher struggled with serious mental health issues, and, despite everything, they never gave up on him,” Mendez said. “In the end, their love and compassion for him ultimately cost them their lives.”

Here is a detailed timeline of the double homicide and child abduction case involving Christopher K. Barnshaw and Zabe Mendez:

Timeline: The Abduction of Zabe Mendez and Arrest of Christopher Barnshaw

July 20, 2025 

• Approximate Date of Crime: Authorities believe the murders of Ashley T. Brown (29) and Sean E. Thornton (55) may have occurred on or around this date.
• Christopher Barnshaw, Ashley’s brother, is suspected of committing both homicides and abducting Ashley’s 2-year-old son, Zabe Mendez, from the home on NE Wabash Avenue, Topeka, Kansas.

July 22, 2025

9:50 AM:

• Topeka Police Department conducts a welfare check at a residence in the 500 block of NE Wabash Avenue.
• Officers discover two deceased individuals later identified as Ashley Brown and Sean Thornton.
• The child, Zabe Mendez, is missing. Police determine he was forcibly taken.
• A nationwide Amber Alert is issued.

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM:

• Barnshaw is identified as the suspect. Authorities issue a be-on-the-lookout for a stolen Lexus believed to be traveling east.

12:16 PM:

• A Mattoon, Illinois police officer conducting a traffic stop spots the suspect vehicle traveling eastbound on Route 16.

12:25 PM:

• Officers intercept and stop the vehicle near the intersection of Route 16 and Beechtree Road in Charleston, IL.
• Christopher Barnshaw is arrested without incident.
• Zabe Mendez is found safe, in the back seat.
• A firearm is recovered from the vehicle.
• Barnshaw is booked into Coles County Jail.

July 23, 2025

The Shawnee County District Attorney’s Office in Kansas files formal charges:

• 2 counts of First-Degree Premeditated Murder
• Aggravated Burglary
• Kidnapping with Intent to Inflict Bodily Harm or Terror
• Aggravated Endangering a Child
• Bond is set at $10 million.

July 24, 2025

• During a hearing in Illinois, Barnshaw refuses extradition to Kansas.
• Officials begin preparing a governor’s warrant to compel his return.
• A status hearing is set in 30 days.

July 25, 2025

Former roommates of Barnshaw speak to local media, describing:

• His history of violent behavior dating back to at least 2012.
• Mental health struggles and violent domestic incidents.
• A pattern of instability and dangerous outbursts.
• Prior convictions for assaulting law enforcement, weapons possession, and domestic violence.

Summary:

• Victims: Ashley Brown and Sean Thornton
• Survivor: Zabe Mendez, rescued unharmed
• Suspect: Christopher Barnshaw, 32, arrested in Coles County, IL
• Charges: Murder, kidnapping, burglary, child endangerment
• Next steps: Awaiting extradition to Kansas

Christopher Kayson Warren Barnshaw Criminal Record:

• December 2, 2014: Battery resulting in bodily injury. Sentence: 12 days incarceration, with credit for time served 40 hours of community service. Fines and court costs suspended. Sentence to run concurrently with other case(s)
• February 2, 2016: Christopher Barnshaw, booked in connection with aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer, 1:22 p.m.   Source
• March 1, 2025 and April 19, 2025: Christopher Kayson Warren Barnshaw   Booking Date: 4/19/2025 –   Booking Date: 3/1/2025
• Topeka Police Department hold a press conference   Source
• Amber Alert   Source