A 19-year-old is back in custody on charges of second-degree murder in the Aug. 13 crash that killed Jackson Nzabonimpa, 14.
Police said Gauge Brasher of Wichita would be taken to the Sedgwick County Jail and booked on the charge. Officers had been looking for Brasher since he left a hospital in the aftermath of the crash.
About 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 13, a Kansas Highway Patrol trooper came upon a crash near Harry and Rock Road and saw two men running from a dark color BMW. After a brief foot pursuit, both men were apprehended. The preliminary investigation indicates the BMW was traveling at a high rate of speed when it struck a power pole and a utility box. The impact forced the pole and box into Nzabonimpa, who was on the sidewalk, and he died at the scene.
Witnesses identified the driver as a 19-year-old man later identified as Gauge Brasher. Brasher is suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics. Investigators believe speed and impairment were likely contributing factors. The 24-year-old passenger was detained and later released with no charges.
Brasher was admitted to a hospital for medical treatment but left. A news release did not explain how that happened but did say Police Chief Joe Sullivan “remains committed to transparency and ensuring the Wichita Police Department’s efforts align with our community’s expectations. That is why he directed his executive staff to review our current policy to ensure necessary modifications are made to provide clear guidance to all Wichita police personnel.”
The release also quoted Sullivan as saying: “A 14-year-old should be safe standing on a sidewalk. We grieve with this family and everyone hurting. We will stand with them and do everything we can to seek justice. I’m glad we were able to take the suspect back into custody. Throughout this process, we met with Jackson’s family to explain what occurred and our efforts to re-apprehend the suspect.”
This case remains under active investigation.
