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.
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.
by Staff
April 25, 2024
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.
Credit:
Kansas City PD?Facebook
1 min to read
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.
More Patrol
Versaterm Launches Innovation Summit for Public Safety Drone Operations
The two-day DroneSense Innovation Summit by Versaterm will bring together public safety and industry experts to define best practices for scaling drone operations.
Read More →
What Makes a Good LE Boot?
Learn what makes a boot good for police officers as POLICE visits with Kyle Ferdyn, of Garmont Tactical, who explains the features of boots and why each is needed in an LE boot.
Read More →
Folds of Honor Opens Scholarship Application for Children and Spouses of Fallen or Disabled Service Members and First Responders
The application period for the Folds of Honor scholarship program is now open through the end of March. Scholarships support students from early education through postsecondary studies, easing the financial burden for families who have given so much in service to others.
Read More →
Team Wendy Now on GovX: Faster Verification and Discount Access for Eligible Professionals
With GovX verification now integrated directly into the Team Wendy checkout experience, eligible customers can confirm their status in just a few clicks and have the discount applied automatically.
Read More →
5.11 Debuts 2026 Footwear & Apparel at SHOT Show
5.11 showcased new apparel and footwear products during SHOT Show 2026, including new color options for the A/T Boa Lite Mid Boot and the Founder’s Jacket.
Read More →
5.11 Debuts New Load-Bearing Gear at SHOT Show
5.11 launched a variety of new load-bearing gear, ranging from backpacks to chest packs, designed for training, travel, and everyday readiness, this week during SHOT Show 2026.
Read More →
Streamlight Launches the Rechargeable TLR-3X & Other Lights at SHOT Show
Streamlight launched the TLR-3X and TLR-3X USB, two new weapon lights, and an assortment of other new lights during SHOT Show 2026.
Read More →
EOTech & Fast Metal Introduce the EOTech Halen Ballistic Spectacle System
Built on the proven Halen platform, the new EOTech x Fast Metal Halen Ballistic Spectacle System is the only aluminum frame listed on the U.S. Army’s Authorized Protective Eyewear List.
Read More →
2 Florida Officers Shot After Shots-Fired Call
Two officers were shot in Gainesville, Florida, by a man who police say was leaving an area where he had killed a man inside a business. The suspect exited his vehicle in what the chief termed an “ambush-style” attack.
Read More →
Mistaken Identity: Ohio Police Department Harassed After ICE OIS
An Ohio police department has received harassing phone calls and social media messages because it has an officer with the same name as the ICE officer identified in the Minneapolis, Minnesota, officer-involved shooting.
Read More →