Man Gets 10 Years Over Crash That Killed Officer, K-9, and Pedestrian
“We are very satisfied with the outcome, and we will continue to live day to day and see where the next chapter takes us,” said the fallen officer's wife, Cassie Muhlbauer.

Kansas City, MO, police officer James Muhlbauer and his K-9, Champ were killed in a crash in 2023. The driver has been sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Kansas City PD?Facebook
A Jackson County judge ruled on Wednesday afternoon that Jerron Lightfoot, a 20-year-old man from Tonganoxie, Kansas, will serve a 10-year prison sentence for the deaths of Kansas City Police Officer James Muhlbauer, K-9 Champ, and victim Jesse Eckes in a 2023 crash.
Lightfoot pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree involuntary manslaughter back in February. According to a news release, prosecutors asked the Jackson County judge for a 10-year sentence while Lightfoot’s attorneys sought probation, Fox4KC.
“We are very satisfied with the outcome, and we will continue to live day to day and see where the next chapter takes us,” said wife, Cassie Muhlbauer.
The judge said it was deeply concerning how fast Lightfoot was driving and ignoring stop lights, traffic signs, and commands.
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