For Immediate Release

April 25, 2025

Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson this week announced felony charges against a Kansas City man for his involvement in a fatal crash involving street racing last year. 

Cortez A. Hamilton faces two counts of 1st Degree Involuntary Manslaughter. * If convicted, he could face between six to 20 years in prison. 

“When illegal street racing results in serious injuries or fatalities, the consequences escalate dramatically from municipal fines to years—even decades behind bars,” said Prosecutor Johnson. “Even if you do not intend to cause harm, engaging in street racing or side show behavior shows a deliberate disregard for the safety of others. When you participate in street racing or side shows, you are gambling with people’s lives, including your own.”

According to court records, Kansas City police were dispatched to the intersection of Carondelet Drive and Wornall Road on a reported injury crash on Dec. 30, 2024. Both occupants of a Honda HRV were pronounced dead at the scene. The defendant and driver of a black Chrysler was transported to an area hospital with minor injuries. 

Witnesses say they saw the Chrysler and a silver vehicle racing each other at a high rate of speed on Wornall Road before the crash. As the Honda HRV was making a left-hand turn from Wornall Road onto Carondelet Drive, the Chrysler struck the front passenger corner, redirecting it southbound and causing it to begin rotating counterclockwise. The Chrysler continued in a southwest direction and collided with a wooden utility pole where it came to its final resting spot. The silver vehicle was not impacted in the crash and continued south on Wornall Road. 

Prior to the collision, the defendant was traveling at a recorded speed of 104 miles per hour in a 40 miles per hour zone. At impact, the defendant was traveling 79 miles per hour.

A blood test revealed the defendant was operating his vehicle while under the influence of Cannabinoids. 

Under a new municipal law, drivers participating in illegal street racing or side shows could face fines of up to $1,000 and their vehicles could be impounded.

*Charges are only accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until the defendant is either found guilty or pleads guilty.

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Media Contact: 

Jazzlyn Johnson

Director of Communications 

Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office 

415 E 12th Street

Kansas City, MO - 64106

(816) 929-1289 

jazzlyn.johnson@jacksongov.org 

https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com