Wichita Woman Turns Grief Into Advocacy After Losing Sister To Domestic Violence

WICHITA, KS — For Shannon Reed, Halloween has never been the same. What was once a festive season became a painful reminder of loss after her sister, Brandi Prchal, was murdered by her ex-boyfriend on Halloween night in 2019 — a tragedy Shannon now hopes can spark change.

A Tragic Call That Changed Everything

Shannon recalls being at the movies in Wichita when her phone began to ring repeatedly. After missing several calls, she finally answered — and heard the devastating words from her daughter: “She’s dead.”

Brandi, 36, had taken her children trick-or-treating earlier that night before heading home to rest for her shift as a Topeka corrections officer. When she didn’t show up for work, police and family members went to her home and found her dead under a blanket, with her ex-boyfriend unconscious beside her.

At first, authorities believed her death might have been accidental due to a gas leak. But the following day, the family learned the horrifying truth — Brandi had been beaten to death.

“The funeral director told us there wasn’t a bone on her body that hadn’t been broken,” Shannon said. “We had no idea she’d been abused or murdered until that moment.”

Ex-Boyfriend Sentenced To Prison

Investigators later identified Jeremy Lardner, Brandi’s ex-boyfriend, as her killer. In January 2022, he pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, aggravated robbery, and kidnapping, receiving a 48-year prison sentence.

Brandi’s family said they were unaware of the extent of her abuse until after her death. Shannon shared that the sisters had fallen out two years earlier because she could no longer watch Brandi suffer in an abusive relationship.

“I must have loved her more than she loved herself, because I couldn’t watch her get hurt anymore,” she said through tears. “And then I lost her before I ever got to say I was sorry.”

The Toll Of Domestic Violence

According to Kansas Family Crisis Center data, one in four women and one in seven men experience physical violence from a partner. Wichita has seen several fatal cases in recent years, a pattern that local advocates call “a growing crisis.”

Amanda Meyers, executive director of the Wichita Family Crisis Center, says the most dangerous moments are often when victims try to leave.

“Things can go from bad to horrific fast,” Meyers said. “If you even suspect something is wrong — have that conversation. Make that call.”

Meyers also highlighted a lack of affordable housing as a major barrier preventing victims from leaving abusive situations. The Wichita Family Crisis Center reported a 160% increase in residents seeking shelter between August 2024 and August 2025.

Turning Pain Into Purpose

Despite her grief, Shannon Reed continues to share Brandi’s story publicly in hopes it will inspire other families to talk about warning signs and encourage those in abusive relationships to seek help.

“All those memories were stolen from her — birthdays, grandbabies, everything,” Shannon said. “If sharing her story can save one person, then her death won’t be in vain.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available:

• Wichita Family Crisis Center 24/7 Line: 316-267-SAFE
• Harbor House: 316-263-6000
• Kansas Victim Services: 800-828-9745
• StepStone: 316-265-1611
• Kansas Coalition Against Sexual & Domestic Violence: 785-232-9784

Do you believe Wichita should invest more in safe housing and prevention programs for domestic violence survivors? Share your thoughts with us at NapervilleLocal.com, where we report stories that empower awareness and community action.