Drew Ryland
A Jackson County jury on Friday convicted an Independence man of murder and more for causing a fatal accident at Grand Avenue and 31st Street.
Drew M. Ryland, 26, had been drinking in Westport on Sept. 20, 2014, when police tried to stop his SUV on Southwest Trafficway south of the light at 31st Street.
They had seen him run two red lights before that, according to a police report.
Also from the report:
They chased him but ended pursuit after he ran another red light at 31st Street and Broadway. He continued east on 31st Street, ran the red light on Main Street, and crashed head on into a car at 31st Street and Grand Avenue.
Two passengers in the SUV suffered severe injuries. Michael Hernandez, who was in the car, was killed.
A forensic download of the SUV airbag showed it was going 81 mph an hour before the collision, after it had crossed over into the oncoming lane of 31st Street.
An examination of Ryland’s blood showed an alcohol content of .145, far above the .08 limit.
He was convicted of second-degree murder because a man died as a result of his felony of resisting a lawful stop, prosecutors said.
He was also convicted of resisting arrest, five counts of armed criminal action and three counts of second-degree assault.
Sentencing is set for May 26 at 9 a.m.
Enjoy the sex in prison.