SEDGWICK COUNTY—A man accused in a fatal hit-and-run went before a judge on Monday afternoon.
Gauge Brasher, 19, made his first appearance in court for the alleged crime, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. Last week, the DA's office charged him with 2nd degree murder in the death of 14-year-old Jackson Nzabonimpa. He is also charged with failure to stop at an accident and criminal damage to property.
Wichita police took Brasher into custody shortly after 4 p.m. Friday in the 3100 block of E. Range Road, according to a statement from Wichita Police.
Around 6:30 p.m. August 13, a nearby Kansas Highway Patrol trooper in the area saw the aftermath of the crash that killed 14-year-old Jackson Nzabonimpa and saw two men running from a black BMW that had crashed. After a short foot pursuit, both men were apprehended.
The preliminary investigation indicated the BMW was traveling at a high rate of speed when it hit a power pole and then a utility box. The impact forced the power pole and utility box into Nzabonimpa, who died on scene from his injuries.
Witnesses at the intersection identified the 19-year-old suspect Gauge Brasher, who fled as the driver. He is suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics. The investigation indicated that impairment and speed were likely contributing factors in the collision. Brasher was admitted to the hospital for medical treatment and later left the hospital. Police issued an alert in attempt to locate him. The passenger in the BMW is a 24-year-old man who was detained and later released with no charges.
Police investigators presented the case to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office late last week. Brasher remains jailed on bond totaling over $500,000.00, according to online jail records. He is due back in court next week, according to the district attorney's office.