For Immediate Release
Jan. 12, 2017
A Kansas City man who is a persistent felony offender has been charged in the August 2016 fatal vehicular crash at 63rd and Prospect Avenue that killed Patrick Mercer, Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker announced today.
Keith L. Carnes, dob: 9/12/1989, faces Involuntary Manslaughter 1st Degree.*
Carnes, on the evening of Aug. 30, 2016, was driving a vehicle at more than 100 mph, headed south on Prospect, when he slammed into a pickup being driven by Patrick B. Mercer, who was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at an area hospital. Video surveillance from the area showed Carnes' vehicle, moving at a high rate of speed, through the intersection where the crash occurred. The Kansas City police investigation of the incident revealed Carnes vehicle was being operated at a high rate of speed, driving in opposing lanes of traffic and failing to stop at a red traffic light at 63rd and Prospect. Toxicology of Carnes' blood showed he had high levels of cocaine, THC and the active ingredient of PCP in his system at the time of his arrival at the hospital.
Prosecutors requested a cash bond of $50,000.
For more information, contact:
Michael Mansur
Director of Communication
Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office
Jean Peters Baker, Prosecutor
Work : (816) 881-3812
Mobile: (816) 674-3954
mmansur@jacksongov.org
http://jacksoncountyprosecutor.com
*Charges are only accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until the defendant is either found guilty or has pleaded.