A Kansas City man has been sentenced to 14 years in prison in connection with a hit and run accident at 1800 E. Front Street that resulted in the death of 78 year old Emma Hayes of Kansas City on April 9th, 2019.

From out or initial story we brought you in April of 2019, Johnny Neeley, 737 N. Kansas Avenue in the East Bottoms pled guilty in June, 2021 to 1st Degree Involuntary Manslaughter, 2nd Degree Assault and Leaving the Scene of an Accident Resulting in Death. A Jackson County Judge sentenced Neeley to 14 years in prison on the Manslaughter case and 7 years on each of the subsequent charges. All sentences to run concurrently.

According to court records, officers responded to 1800 E. Front Street on Tuesday, April 9, 2019 at approximately 1 p.m. in regard to a fatal hit-and-run crash.
Police records state that a dark blue Nissan pick-up was traveling westbound on Front Street through the intersection at 1800 E. Front Street when it crashed into a Cadillac Deville, which was traveling north.

The driver, Neeley, fled the scene on foot prior to police arrival. The front seat passenger of the Nissan suffered non-life threatening injuries and remained at the scene. The driver of the Cadillac was transported to an area hospital with life threatening injuries. The passenger of the Cadillac, identified as 78-year-old Emma Hayes of Kansas City, was also transported to an area hospital where she was pronounced dead from the injuries sustained.

A witness who was driving on Front Street said he saw the Nissan chasing a black Chevrolet pickup. Both trucks passed him on either side of his vehicle, and the witness saw the Nissan crash into the Cadillac. He then said he saw the driver of the Nissan climb out of the driver window, walk to the passenger side of the vehicle and retrieve an unknown object from the glove box and leave on foot.

Another witness said she thought the Chevrolet and Nissan were involved in a road rage incident or a street race.

Officers responded to Neeley’s home, who barricaded himself in his house, refusing to leave. An Operation 100 was called at approximately 3:15 p.m. and continued until 7:10 p.m. when Neeley finally exited his home and was taken in to custody without further incident.