Charge upgraded to murder in death of Johnson County deputy

A man jailed in the Sept. 11 traffic crash death of a Johnson County deputy is now facing a charge of second-degree murder.

Adrian Espinosa-Flores was initially charged with involuntary manslaughter in the death of Master Deputy Brandon Collins, but on Thursday Johnson County prosecutors filed an alternative charge of reckless second-degree murder.

The murder charge carries a significantly longer prison sentence than involuntary manslaughter.

Sentencing guidelines for manslaughter call for a prison range from four to 14 years. For reckless second-degree murder, the range is nine to 41 years. Under the guidelines, a person’s prior criminal record determines where they fall within the guidelines.

Espinosa-Flores, 38, was allegedly driving drunk when his pickup truck slammed into the patrol vehicle of Collins on U.S. 69 in Overland Park. The deputy was conducting a traffic stop when the crash occurred.

Espinosa-Flores is also charged with leaving the scene of a fatal accident. He fled after the wreck, but was arrested a short time later, according to court documents.

His blood-alcohol content measured after the wreck was .16, twice the legal limit, according to the documents.

Bond for Espinosa-Flores is set at $2 million, and he is being held in the Johnson County Detention Center.

His next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 26.

This story was originally published September 22, 2016 at 11:18 AM with the headline "Charge upgraded to murder in death of Johnson County deputy."