20 March 2024
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — A man from Wichita has been sentenced for a crash that killed Rita Hawkins and injured two others in 2021.
According to the Office of the District Attorney, 35-year-old Michael Walker has been sentenced to 9 years and 6 months. He pled guilty to involuntary manslaughter and two counts of aggravated battery on Jan. 8.
Court documents state officers responded at 2:20 p.m. on May 29, 2021, to the report of a crash involving two vehicles, which resulted in injuries at South Glenn Avenue and West Pawnee Street.
Upon arrival at the scene, officers found a grey 205 Kia Sorento, later determined to be driven by Walker, and a grey 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer that were both involved in the crash. The Kia Sorento had turned over on its driver’s side as a result of the crash.
Court documents state the driver of the Mitsubishi Lancer, the front passenger and Rita Hawkins, the rear passenger, were all taken to a local hospital in serious condition. Hawkins later succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased.
An investigation revealed the Mitsubishi Lancer was headed west on Pawnee in the left lane when Walker, in his Kia Sorento, hit them head-on.
Walker was later booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and several other counts.