An Independence man has pleaded guilty to causing a Leawood wreck that killed an elderly couple on their way to church.

Harold Benton Cyphers III pleaded guilty in Johnson County District Court to two counts of involuntary manslaughter in the deaths of Donna Manning, 69, and her 71-year-old husband, William Manning.

The crash occurred July 3 at 119th Street and State Line Road.

Cyphers, 37, was driving under the influence of methamphetamine when he ran a red light and his vehicle collided with the Overland Park couple’s car. They were heading to a nearby church.

“We all took it very hard,” said Brad Estep, senior pastor at Kansas City First Church of the Nazarene. “They were loving and caring people, and we miss them greatly.”

William Manning played in the church orchestra. He and his wife both had worked at Nazarene Publishing House.

Cyphers also pleaded guilty Tuesday to charges of identity theft and possession of methamphetamine.

As part of a plea agreement, attorneys will recommend a sentence of 14 years and seven months in prison. Sentencing for Cyphers is scheduled for May 23.