On Monday afternoon, just two weeks after breaking up with her boyfriend, Rowena Irani was murdered in her home at his hand.
Wichita police spokesperson Lt. Todd Ojile said family members reported they had been unable to reach the 22-year-old Wichita woman all day. Rowena was also going to pick her mother up from work around 3 p.m. but never showed up. When her mother couldn’t get ahold of her, she knew something was seriously wrong. Her mother ultimately sought alternate transportation, arriving at the house around 4 p.m. where she found her daughter suffering from a gunshot wound to the head.
Irani was transported to a local hospital, where doctors listed her in extremely critical condition.
Deputies arrested Irani’s ex-boyfriend, 27-year-old Dane Owens. He was booked in Sedgwick County Jail for attempted first-degree murder and aggravated burglary.
Ojile did confirm authorities were able to locate the gun Owens used to murder Irani in a lake in far east Wichita.
Tragically, Irani succumbed to her injuries on Wednesday. Authorities upgraded Owens’ charges to first-degree murder and aggravated battery.
It is believed that Irani and Owens had been communicating off and on following the break up, which lead to the altercation.
Owens bail is currently set at $500,000.
Wichita State University posted their condolences on Twitter and encouraged students to attend a memorial service for Irani.
With heavy hearts, Student Involvement mourns the loss of Rowena Irani, a vibrant and passionate member of the SI Family. pic.twitter.com/rHhZNeFrzL
— WSU Involvement (@wsu_involvement) October 6, 2016
Others are remembering their friend and loved one.
https://twitter.com/_jlatti/status/783476890661064705
@RowenaIrani I still can't believe you're gone. I'm so sorry.
— K. P. (@kwasijouer) October 5, 2016
https://twitter.com/erikarenee_/status/783514985465049088
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