Man faces manslaughter in KC crash that killed 2 people last year
A Kansas City man has been charged with manslaughter in connection with the deaths of two people killed in an alleged street racing crash last year, according to court records.
Prosecutors charged Cortez Anthony Hamilton with two counts of involuntary manslaughter Wednesday in Jackson County Circuit Court.
According to a police probable cause statement, a black Chrysler 300, driven by Hamilton, and a Silver Dodge Charger were allegedly racing south on Wornall Road on Dec. 30, 2024. The Chrysler crashed into a Honda CRV that was turning left onto Carondelet Drive.
The Honda had a flashing yellow arrow and attempted to make the turn after traffic had cleared, according to court documents. The Chrysler then flew into the intersection and collided with the Honda, causing it to rotate multiple times.
The front passenger of the Honda was ejected and thrown across multiple lanes of traffic, according to police. The Chrysler continued to drive south after the impact, then collided with a wooden utility pole, where it came to rest.
Two occupants of the Honda, later identified by police as Verne Zugenbuhler, 91, and Diane Zugenbuhler, 72, were pronounced dead at the scene.
Hamilton was transported to the hospital with minor injuries.
Hamilton’s interview with police
Detectives interviewed Hamilton at the hospital, where he agreed to have a blood toxicology test taken. Results from the test revealed marijuana in his system, according to court records.
In an interview with police, Hamilton allegedly told detectives he started to drive fast to get away from a vehicle he didn’t recognize that sped up behind him.
At least three witnesses told officers the Chrysler and Dodge appeared to be racing before the crash, according to court records. Two witnesses estimated the cars were driving close to 100 mph.
A woman who saw the crash said the two cars were speeding and weaving between lanes of traffic, court documents said.
Prior to the collision, car data showed that Hamilton was traveling at speeds up to 104 mph, according to court records. At the time of the impact, Hamilton allegedly drove 79 miles per hour in a 40 miles per hour zone.
Online court records show that no court events have yet been scheduled in the case.
Last September, the Kansas City Council unanimously passed a city law that raises fines for those caught participating in illegal street races, or “sideshows.”
Under the new law, participants can be fined $250, $500 or $1,000 for a first, second or third offense. Spectators can also face a $100 fine, and their vehicles are liable to be impounded.
