SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man who admitted his role in a vehicle crash and fire that left a passenger dead is going to prison.
Earlier this month, a judge sentenced 33-year-old Christian Sheppard of Wichita to 75 months in prison for a crash and fire that killed 32-year-old Chekiel Wright, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.
In July, Sheppard pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter while driving under the influence before Judge Tyler Roush, according to the District Attorney's office. He was originally charged with 2nd degree murder.
On Dec. 29, police responded to a collision in the 200 block of N. Charles Street in Wichita, according to a media release. First responders found the vehicle that struck a tree and fence and caught fire. A passenger, identified as 32-year-old Chekiel Wright, died, and the driver, later identified as Sheppard was seriously injured.
On May 21, police arrested Sheppard. He met the requirement of a $250,000 bond and was released from custody, according to online jail records. He was booked back into jail on July 28.