LEETON, Mo. — A 43-year-old man from Chilhowee, Mo., about an hour and 15 minutes southeast of Kansas City, is facing 2nd degree murder and involuntary manslaughter charges in Johnson County, Mo., for a May 26 car crash that killed a woman and a 3-year-old boy.
Witnesses say Christopher Lugud was exceeding the speed limit during a rain storm while driving on Highway 13, about a quarter mile south of Highway 2. According to the Missouri Highway Patrol, Lagud’s car left the wet highway and traveled several yards through the grass and then crashed into a tree.
Crystal Lagud, 25, and Riley Battles, 3, were trapped in the vehicle and were pronounced dead at the scene.
Lugud faces one count of 2nd degree murder, three counts of involuntary manslaughter, operating a motor vehicle while in an intoxicated condition. He also faces an assault charge, a charge of child endangerment,
Bond was set at $50,000.
