SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas man is going to prison for a fatal crash that killed a passenger in his vehicle.
This week, Charles Smith, Jr., 31, was sentenced to to 128 months in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.
In September, Smith pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and aggravated battery. He was originally charged with driving under the influence.
Just after 2:30a.m. December 14, 2024, police were dispatched to a single-vehicle crash in the 1700 block of S. Mosley in Wichita, according to a media release.
First responders located a white 4-door sedan that had collided with multiple trees. Lanashia Clay, 22, from Wichita was seated in the front passenger seat and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
A 25-year-old woman from Wichita was the rear seat passenger. She was transported to a local hospital for treatment of critical injuries.
The 30-year-old driver later identified as Smith was also transported to a local hospital for treatment. After being medically cleared, he was taken into custody on requested charges of Involuntary Manslaughter, Aggravated Battery-DUI, and Driving after suspended.