Trial ordered in fatal collision

A 23-year-old Overland Park man was ordered Thursday by Douglas County District Judge Michael Malone to stand trial on a charge of involuntary manslaughter in the death of a 19-year-old Lawrence woman in a 2010 vehicle collision.

Sean Barrett Walker’s blood-alcohol content was 0.23, nearly three times the state’s legal limit, two hours after the collision on Oct. 14, 2010, at the intersection of Clinton Parkway and Inverness Drive, according to a police officer who testified at a preliminary hearing Thursday. Walker’s westbound vehicle struck a southbound car driven by Mary Grace Paez, a 2010 Lawrence High School graduate, according to police. Paez died at the scene.

The police report also lists Walker’s speeding as contributing to the crash. He was headed west on Clinton Parkway and entered the intersection on a flashing yellow light. Paez was headed south on Inverness Drive and entered the intersection after stopping at a flashing red light. Walker’s Jeep struck Paez’s car on the driver’s side. The law that covers flashing yellow lights says drivers may proceed through an intersection “only with caution.”

Walker was traveling at least 11 mph faster than the 45 mph speed limit on Clinton Parkway, and Paez was driving 13 mph in the 30 mph zone, according to the accident report. Paez’s toxicology test in her autopsy was negative for alcohol or drugs.

If convicted of involuntary manslaughter, Walker faces a sentence of 38 months to 14 years in prison. Walker’s trial is set for Feb. 4.

Earlier this month a judge approved a $100,000 settlement for Paez’s parents in a civil lawsuit against Walker.