Fatal DWI Crash in Mansfield, Missouri: 14-Year Sentence as Drunk Driving Leads to Firefighter's Death
A man has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for causing a fatal crash that claimed the life of a Mansfield firefighter. Kody Skaggs, who was driving under the influence, collided with a Mansfield police car on Business 60 near Highway 60, resulting in the death of firefighter Justin Sanders and causing serious injuries to Officer Michael Bryson. During the incident, Sanders, 31, was part of a ride-along, sitting in the parked patrol car on the side of the road. Skaggs faced charges of one count of DWI resulting in the death of another and one count of DWI resulting in physical injury to emergency personnel.
In the sentencing, Skaggs received 14 years for the fatal DWI charge and an additional 10 years for the physical injury to emergency personnel charge, with the sentences running concurrently. While addressing the court, Skaggs expressed remorse, stating that he was "truly sorry" and had no intention of causing harm. The judge emphasized the court's focus on punishing behavior rather than intentions, stating, "Driving while intoxicated is not acceptable. We will not tolerate it." Mansfield Police Chief Timothy Stuart commended the judge for reinforcing the stance against impaired driving.
According to court documents, the crash occurred around 12:52 a.m. on April 1, when Skaggs, traveling southbound, crossed the center of the road, ran off the road, and struck the police vehicle parked on the east shoulder of Business 60. Chief Stuart mourned the loss of firefighter Justin Sanders, describing him as a friend to everyone and acknowledging the irreplaceable void left in the community. Officer Michael Bryson, the driver of the patrol vehicle, suffered serious injuries and was transported to a hospital for treatment. The devastating incident continues to resonate within the Mansfield community.