A Jackson County jury on Friday evening found an Independence man guilty of felony murder and nine other felony counts in connection with a 2014 fatal vehicular accident near 31st and Grand Avenue, Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker announced today.
Drew M. Ryland, dob: 6/24/1989, was found guilty of Murder in the 2nd Degree, Resisting Arrest, five counts of Armed Criminal Action and three counts of Assault 2nd Degree. The Felony Murder charge was based on the fact that the victim, Michael Hernandez, died as a result of the defendant’s perpetration of the Class D Felony Resisting a Lawful Stop.
A sentencing hearing has been set for May 26,2016 at 9 a.m.