Wichita man sentenced for 2021 fatal crash
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — A man from Wichita has been sentenced for a crash that killed Rita Hawkins and injured two others in 2021.
According to the Office of the District Attorney, 35-year-old Michael Walker has been sentenced to 9 years and 6 months. He pled guilty to involuntary manslaughter and two counts of aggravated battery on Jan. 8.
Court documents state officers responded at 2:20 p.m. on May 29, 2021, to the report of a crash involving two vehicles, which resulted in injuries at South Glenn Avenue and West Pawnee Street.
Upon arrival at the scene, officers found a grey 205 Kia Sorento, later determined to be driven by Walker, and a grey 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer that were both involved in the crash. The Kia Sorento had turned over on its driver’s side as a result of the crash.
Court documents state the driver of the Mitsubishi Lancer, the front passenger and Rita Hawkins, the rear passenger, were all taken to a local hospital in serious condition. Hawkins later succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased.
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An investigation revealed the Mitsubishi Lancer was headed west on Pawnee in the left lane when Walker, in his Kia Sorento, hit them head-on.
Walker was later booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and several other counts.
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