Joshua Craig, 24, of Independence, Kansas, has pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred on August 16, 2020, in Leavenworth County. According to court records, the shooting happened after an altercation at a Lansing bar, where two vehicles pursued the victim. Craig was riding in one of the vehicles and fired a gun towards the victim's vehicle while they were being chased down Eisenhower Road.
The bullet shattered the rear window of the victim's vehicle and struck the driver, who later died from his injuries. Shell casings recovered at the scene matched a firearm that Craig admitted to owning during the investigation.
Craig will be sentenced on August 12, 2026. Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson stated in a press release that "this case reflects a reckless and dangerous decision that resulted in the loss of a loved one and a felony conviction."
**BACKGROUND**
This incident occurred nearly six years ago, but it has only now come to a resolution with Craig's guilty plea. The shooting led to a lengthy investigation and ultimately resulted in charges being brought against Craig.
The Leavenworth County Attorney's office will continue to hold individuals accountable for their actions when they endanger the community, according to Thompson's statement.
No further information is available on the victim or the circumstances surrounding the altercation that led up to the shooting.