Wichita man faces murder charge in Kay County

NEWKIRK — Joshua Franklin Lehman, 38, Wichita, Kan. is set for a preliminary hearing in Kay County District Court on May 23. He is facing a first degree murder charge in the death of 35-year-old Jodi (Josi) Lashell Misak.

Blackwell police report Misak was found unconscious in room 10 of the Econo Lodge Hotel, 1201 North 44th Street, in Blackwell on Feb. 27. Lt. John Mitchell reports Lehman told police she used heroin. Blackwell police Sgt. Cory Ingram reportedly administered seven doses of NARCAN. Ambulance personnel arrived and transported Misak to Blackwell Regional Hospital. Later she was transported to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita where she died on March 7.

Police searched the room and report finding a spoon coated with heroin and a baggie containing what was believed to be meth. Lehman was arrested on a felony warrant out of Curry County, New Mexico for auto theft and transported to the county jail.

On March 7 he agreed to a recorded interview with police. He reportedly admitted to purchasing six grams of heroin from a dealer in Wichita, Kan. for $500. Lehman reportedly told police the pair left Wichita and stopped at the Braman Casino on Feb. 27 where they gambled all night before renting the hotel room.

He stated that the Misak woke up sick and passed out in the bathroom. Lehman told authorities he placed her in a cold shower in an attempt to wake her. He then dragged her near the bed, called 911 and started CPR.

He is being held on $250,000 bond.