On December 22, 1992, 40-year-old Randy Sheridan was gunned down while jogging near his home in Junction City, Kansas. He was shot five times with a 12-gauge shotgun—three times from a passing vehicle and twice at close range as he lay on the ground. The crime shocked the local community and led investigators down a dark path involving family conflict, religious influence, and a bitter custody dispute.

A Custody Battle Turns Deadly

Randy had a young daughter with Dana Flynn, his former partner. Their relationship had ended long before, but their battle over custody of their daughter was ongoing and intense. Dana had accused Randy of abuse, but those claims were found to be unsubstantiated. A pivotal court hearing was approaching—one that could have shifted custody in Randy’s favor.

Religious Influence and Control

Dana and her brother, Mikel Dreiling, were involved with a small church in Salina, Kansas, led by Pastor Jerry Rollins. The pastor claimed to receive divine prophecies and held strong sway over his followers. According to reports, Rollins declared that Randy was evil and implied that divine justice would be served. This messaging helped reinforce Dana and Mikel’s belief that Randy needed to be removed from their lives.

The Crime and Investigation

On the morning of the murder, Randy was ambushed during his routine jog. At first, investigators struggled to connect any suspects to the shooting. However, suspicious behavior—including Dana’s attempts to clean her car shortly after the crime—raised red flags. While there was no direct physical evidence, a case was built through circumstantial details and witness statements.

Trial and Convictions

Eventually, Dana Flynn and Mikel Dreiling were arrested and charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and conspiracy to commit perjury. In 1997, they were both convicted and sentenced to life in prison. Pastor Rollins avoided a full trial by entering an Alford plea to aiding a felon and served a short jail sentence.

Aftermath and Reflection

Mikel was released on parole in 2019 after serving more than two decades behind bars. In a later interview, he admitted his involvement and claimed he had been manipulated by both his sister and Pastor Rollins. He also alleged that Dana fired the final two shots that killed Randy. Dana, however, continues to assert her innocence.

The murder of Randy Sheridan is a haunting example of how personal vendettas, when mixed with radical beliefs and manipulation, can escalate into irreversible tragedy. It remains a powerful story of justice, influence, and loss.

Former residence of Randy Sherridan

Former residence of Randy Sheridan in Junction City, Kansas. It was from this home that he left for a jog on December 22, 1992 — a routine run that ended in his tragic and fatal ambush.

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Location where the body of Randy was found

Location near Junction City, Kansas, where the body of Randy Sheridan was found on December 22, 1992. He had been fatally shot while out for a jog, the victim of a planned ambush that led to the convictions of his ex-girlfriend Dana Flynn and her brother Mikel Dreiling.

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