July 1, 2026–Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson announced two people have been charged in two separate fatal crashes that occurred in Kansas City.
Delton W. Cooper faces one count of Driving While Intoxicated Resulting in Death of Another, which carries five to 15 years in prison if convicted. *
According to court records, Kansas City police responded to 43rd Street and Paseo Boulevard on an injury crash on Feb. 1. Detectives determined Cooper was driving a white Chevy Equinox northbound on Paseo Boulevard at a high rate of speed. A westbound Jeep Grand Cherokee entered the intersection where it was struck by the Chevy. The Jeep overturned and ejected the driver. The Chevy struck a light pole.
Detectives interviewed Cooper at the scene, and Cooper agreed to submit a preliminary breath test, which revealed a blood alcohol concentration of .247.
The driver of the Jeep was transported to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries and was pronounced dead on Feb. 5.
A Jackson County judge set Cooper’s bond at $75,000 (10%).
Shamika Wedlow faces First Degree Involuntary Manslaughter, 2nd Degree Assault, and Leaving the Scene of an Accident. The manslaughter charge carries three to 10 years, assault and leaving the scene of an accident carry one to seven years each if convicted. *
According to court records, Kansas City police responded to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Prospect Avenue regarding an injury hit and run crash on June 1, 2025. Detectives determined a white Cadillac was northbound on Prospect Avenue approaching MLK Boulevard on a green light when a white Nissan, driven by Wedlow, failed to stop for a red light and collided with the Cadillac. The Nissan left the scene.
Officers located the Nissan with heavy damage on the passenger side. Officers could smell the odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from the driver, Wedlow. Three passengers inside the Nissan were transported to nearby hospitals with serious injuries. One of the passengers was pronounced deceased from his injuries on June 9, 2025.
Witnesses reported Wedlow had been drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana leading up to the crash.
A Jackson County judge set Wedlow’s bond at $75,000 (10%).
* Charges are only accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until the defendant is either found guilty or pleads guilty.