Lawrence man pleads to second-degree murder in 2022 DUI crash

Douglas County District Attorney Suzanne Valdez today announced that Anthony M. Royal, 56, of Lawrence, pleaded guilty to murder in the second degree for striking another vehicle and killing a 70-year-old Lawrence man in 2022.

Charges stem from an incident that occurred near the intersection of Kansas Highway 10 and Bob Billings Parkway on the evening of April 8, 2022. Royal also pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol, his third offense.

“This type of tragic accident is entirely avoidable,” District Attorney Valdez said. “My heart goes out to the loved ones and friends of the victim.”

The State of Kansas was represented by Chief Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Tatum. The matter was investigated by the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Lawrence Police Department, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.  

Sentencing was set by Judge Amy Hanley for 10:30 a.m. on November 1, 2023 at the Douglas County Judicial and Law Enforcement Center.