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TX man pleads to charges in fatal 2023 Jackson Co crash

By Greg Bebermeyer

12/23/2024

Ayinde Jriel James/Credit: Jackson Co Sheriff

(KNZA)--A Fort Worth, Texas man, charged in in connection with a fatal 2023 Jackson County crash that claimed the life of a Whiting woman, has entered into a plea agreement.

According to court documents, 45-year-old Ayinde-Jriel James pleaded guilty December 5th in Jackson County District Court to an amended charge of involuntary manslaughter while driving under the influence. He had originally been charged with second-degree murder in the case.

James also entered an “Alford plea” of guilty to a charge of aggravated battery while driving under the influence.

In exchange for the pleas, misdemeanor charges of possession of marijuana and reckless driving were dismissed.

Sentencing was set for January 9th.

The plea agreement cancels a jury trial that had been set for March 2025.

James was charged in connection with an April 2023 crash on U.S. 75 Highway, about two miles north of Holton, that claimed the life of 74-year-old Melinda Wareham.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says James was traveling at excessive speeds and passing several vehicles before he crashed head-on into a vehicle driven by Wareham.

James remains in the Jackson County Jail, held on a $750,000 bond.

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