Driver in crash that killed KC crime lab technician is sentenced for illegally possessing a firearm

About 80 police officers and crime lab employees packed a federal courtroom Friday as a federal judge sentenced a Kansas City man to 10 years in prison for illegally possessing a firearm.

Larneal D. Davis, 29, was fleeing from police on July 6, 2013, when his vehicle broadsided one driven by Michael Chou, killing the technician from the Kansas City Police Crime Laboratory. Police arrested Davis after a brief foot chase near the accident scene at 65th Street and Troost Avenue.

From Davis’ vehicle, police recovered two semiautomatic pistols, which he could not legally possess because of prior convictions on felony drug distribution and firearms charges.

U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs noted that 10 years is the maximum allowed under federal law for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Davis also faces unresolved Jackson County charges of involuntary manslaughter, leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident and driving with a revoked license, Sachs noted.

“Supplemental punishment could occur, depending on the results of that case,” Sachs said.

Davis’ next hearing on the state charges is scheduled for March 6.

Addressing the judge before hearing his sentence, Davis said his incarceration does not compare to the pain suffered by the victim’s family and co-workers.

“Most of all, I would like to apologize to Mr. Chou’s family members and fellow law enforcement officers,” Davis said. “I would ask for their forgiveness, and I speak from the heart.”

Sachs also sentenced Davis to five years in prison, to be served concurrently with his 10-year sentence, for violating the terms of his federal probation, which he was serving at the time of the accident.

This story was originally published February 13, 2015 at 5:49 PM with the headline "Driver in crash that killed KC crime lab technician is sentenced for illegally possessing a firearm."