Defendant in KCK traffic fatality wants criminal trial to begin

A Kansas City, Kan., woman charged with manslaughter in the traffic death of a teenage pedestrian said Monday she’s upset that her criminal trial is being delayed for a competency evaluation.

Tamika Pledger is charged in the January 2015 death of 17-year-old Tierra Smith and injuries caused to three other teens, all struck by a car driven by Pledger.

“My attorney filed that (exam request) against my wishes, and that’s why … we are not able to move forward,” Pledger told journalists Monday in front of the Wyandotte County Courthouse.

The competency evaluation request was filed after Pledger said at a February hearing that she didn’t understand the charges she faced. The evaluation will determine whether she is competent to stand trial.

Prosecutors allege that Pledger’s vehicle was traveling at least 55 mph in a 20-mph zone when it crested a hill and struck the teens in the 1300 block of Troup Avenue.

At the time, two teens were fighting in the street, and others were watching or trying to break up the fight. Pledger drove to the scene after receiving a call from a teen about a brewing fight.

On Monday, Pledger also voiced concerns about evidence against her and said she wants to represent herself during the trial.

This story was originally published April 11, 2016 at 12:22 PM.