A 30-year-old Wichita man pleaded guilty to second-degree murder Friday for a crash that killed a 72-year-old driver near the Delano neighborhood in March 2025.
Tony Epps Jr. entered the plea on Sept. 11 to second-degree murder, described in court records as unintentional but reckless, and driving while suspended, KSN reported.
Court documents show Epps was driving a Jeep Compass nearly 60 mph above the posted speed limit when he struck a Toyota RAV4 driven by Rockney G. Lindemann near the intersection of Maple and Osage, according to KWCH. The collision was described as a rollover crash.
Lindemann, 72, died at the scene despite lifesaving efforts.
Epps was found underneath his vehicle after the collision and was believed to have been ejected, according to an affidavit cited by KSN. First responders transported him to a hospital with critical injuries.
An investigation revealed Epps held a suspended Kansas driver's license at the time of the crash. His license had been suspended for failing to pay a ticket, court documents show. Epps was 30 years old at the time of his plea, according to KAKE.
Sedgwick County court records show Epps was charged with second-degree murder and driving with a suspended license in June 2025, roughly three months after the crash, KWCH reported at the time.
The crash occurred in March 2025 near Equity Bank Park. KWCH first reported the collision that weekend, describing it as a rollover crash near the Delano area.
No response from Epps' defense attorney or the Sedgwick County District Attorney's Office appeared in any of the available reporting.
Epps' sentencing hearing is scheduled for Nov. 23 at the Sedgwick County Courthouse.
