Man charged with manslaughter in crash that killed passenger, injured others

Jackson County prosecutors have charged a 31-year-old Kansas City man with first-degree manslaughter for allegedly driving recklessly and causing a crash that killed a passenger.

Prosecutors also charged Juron D. Morris with two counts of second-degree assault, for injuring two other passengers in the crash, and one count of driving while his license was suspended.

Morris was allegedly driving at high speeds about 3 a.m. Sept. 12 when he lost control of a Chevrolet Trailblazer southbound on Bruce R. Watkins Drive at 59th Street.

Morris and five passengers were ejected in the crash, including 31-year-old Chevis D. Burch, who died at a hospital. Morris suffered life-threatening injuries in the crash, while two passengers were seriously injured. The two other passengers fled the scene, according to court documents.

Passengers told police that they had been celebrating a birthday in Westport and were returning home at the time of the crash. Passengers told police Morris was “driving crazy” and Burch asked him to slow down.

Morris allegedly kept driving fast, reaching speeds between 80 and 100 mph, according to one passenger. As he approached another vehicle, Morris allegedly swerved and lost control and the Blazer started flipping, ejecting everyone in the vehicle.

A check revealed that Morris had a suspended driver’s license. He allegedly has four convictions for driving while revoked, suspended or denied and three convictions for not having a license, according to court documents.

Prosecutors have requested a bond of $150,000.

This story was originally published January 25, 2016 at 6:00 PM.