Paola man sentenced to 41 months for involuntary manslaughter

Douglas County District Attorney Suzanne Valdez today announced that Tayler James Livingston, 27, of Paola, was sentenced to 41 months with the Kansas Department of Corrections for involuntary manslaughter in the death of Deeva Sharma, 25, of Leawood.

The charge stems from a crash on U.S. Highway 56 on Feb. 24, 2020. Livingston crossed the center line to pass a vehicle on the two-lane road and struck Sharma’s car head-on. She was pronounced dead at the scene. A blood test showed Livingston was intoxicated, with a blood alcohol level of .12.

The State was represented by Deputy District Attorney Joshua Seiden. The case was investigated by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Lawrence-Douglas County Fire and Medical, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Kansas Highway Patrol.

In addition to prison time, Livingston was ordered to complete 36 months of post-release supervision and must pay $6841.18 restitution to the victim’s family.