The family of a KCPD officer killed in the wreck was awarded $100,000 through a wrongful death suit
The family of a Kansas City police officer who was killed in a car accident in February will receive a $100,000 insurance settlement through a wrongful death lawsuit filed against the other driver, according to a recent legal filing in Jackson County Circuit Court.
The petition to approve the settlement was filed Friday on behalf of Kasey Muhlbauer and her three children due to the death KCPD Officer James Muhlbauer. This was done in conjunction with the attorneys representing Jeroen Lightfoot19, who faces two counts of manslaughter in the incident.
By settling, Lightfoot denies and contests any liability to Officer Cassie Muhlbauer’s wife. The agreement still requires the approval of a judge.
On February 15, hours after the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade, James Mulbauer, 42, and his partner K-9 “Champ” were on duty and driving through the intersection of Benton Boulevard and Truman Road when their KCPD patrol car was struck by its driver.
The patrol car struck pedestrian Jesse Eckes, 52, who was sitting near a concrete traffic light. James Mulbauer, his partner at K-9 and Aix, died in the accident.
Lightfoot, who was 18 at the time, allegedly told police his brakes had failed.
Surveillance video from a nearby business allegedly showed Lightfoot running a red light before hitting the police car.
Investigators also obtained data from the computer in Lightfoot’s car showing he was driving at 90mph – well above the posted 35mph limit – two seconds before the accident. They also determined that the brakes were working as the car had slowed significantly before impact.
Jackson County prosecutors charged Lightfoot in February with two counts of manslaughter. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges and remains free on bail.
earlier this month, A separate wrongful death lawsuit was filed on behalf of Eckes Three adult children settled for $100,000. It was also to be paid for by Lightfoot’s insurance company.
Lightfoot has not admitted any responsibility in settling this issue.
