Lawrence woman pleads to involuntary manslaughter in 2021 death of pedestrian

Douglas County District Attorney Suzanne Valdez today announced that Kodi R. Crane, 41, of Lawrence, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter for fatally striking a pedestrian with her vehicle on August 4, 2021.

The conviction stems from an incident that occurred shortly after 8 a.m. near the intersection of 15th Street and Haskell Avenue when Crane struck a 50-year-old Lawrence woman who died from her injuries.

“Our streets should be a safe place for everyone in our community,” District Attorney Suzanne Valdez said. “This tragedy should never have occurred, but I hope today’s plea will help bring some measure of closure to the victim’s friends and family.”

The State of Kansas was represented by Senior Assistant District Attorney David Greenwald. The matter was investigated by the Lawrence Police Department. 

Sentencing was set by Judge Amy Hanley for 3 p.m. on September 1, 2023, at the Douglas County Judicial and Law Enforcement Center.

Crane, who must register as a violent offender for 15 years, faces 31 to 136 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections.