Kansas Association Names Topeka Prosecutor of Year
The Kansas County and District Attorneys Association selected Lauren Amrein for the 2026 Prosecutor of the Year award.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Criminal Justice
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Lauren Amrein, a deputy district attorney for the Shawnee County District Attorney's Office, has been honored as the 2026 Kansas Prosecutor of the Year. She earned the recognition following a year in which she secured convictions for seven homicide defendants.
Why it matters
The award is particularly significant to Amrein because it is conferred by fellow prosecutors, highlighting the professional respect she has earned among her peers in the legal community.
Amrein secured convictions for seven homicide defendants over the past year. In an earlier notable case, she also convicted Amber Peery of three counts of involuntary manslaughter in August 2024.
The players
Lauren Amrein
She serves as a deputy district attorney for the Shawnee County District Attorney's Office and has been prosecuting cases since 2016.
Kansas County and District Attorneys Association
This professional organization represents prosecutors across the state and oversees the selection of the annual Prosecutor of the Year.
Du'Jontez Owens
He was a homicide defendant convicted and sentenced for first-degree murder on October 28, 2026.
Amber Peery
She was convicted by Lauren Amrein of three counts of involuntary manslaughter in August 2024.
Charles J. Kitt
He is the predecessor who received the Kansas Prosecutor of the Year award in October 2025.
The details
Amrein performs extensive legal research and writing while managing courtroom responsibilities in Topeka. Her work often involves overcoming juror preconceptions about the legal process that are frequently influenced by television crime shows.
Timeline
August 2024: Lauren Amrein convicted Amber Peery of involuntary manslaughter.
October 2025: Charles J. Kitt received the Kansas Prosecutor of the Year award.
October 22, 2025: Lorenzo Pattmon Jr. was sentenced for murder.
October 2026: Lauren Amrein was named Prosecutor of the Year.
October 28, 2026: Du'Jontez Owens was sentenced for first-degree murder.
Legal Context
This award continues the annual recognition of legal excellence established by the 2025 Kansas Prosecutor of the Year award. Such honors highlight the ongoing work of local prosecutors in managing high-stakes criminal caseloads in Topeka.
The conviction of high-profile homicide defendants like Du'Jontez Owens directly influences public safety outcomes in the Topeka community. Residents can monitor local court dockets to stay informed about ongoing prosecutions handled by the district attorney's office.
The takeaway
Amrein attributes her success in the courtroom to diligent preparation and an ability to navigate the complex expectations jurors bring to trial. Her recognition serves as a reminder of the rigorous work performed by local prosecutors to uphold legal standards.
Further reading
For more on legal proceedings in the area, visit the Criminal Justice section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Topeka Capital-Journal.
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