photo by: Kansas Department of Corrections

William Ray Klingler

The suspect in a hit-and-run crash that killed a University of Kansas student last week was charged on Wednesday with leaving the scene of a fatality accident and several other crimes.

On Wednesday, Douglas County District Attorney Dakota Loomis’ office announced the charges against William Ray Klingler, 36, of Lawrence, in connection with the crash that killed 20-year-old Elsa McGrain. In addition to the felony charge of leaving the scene, Klingler is charged with circumvention of an ignition interlock device, driving while suspended second or subsequent offense and no proof of liability insurance.

The release said that if convicted, Klingler could face between 38 and 172 months in prison.

“My office will hold fully accountable those who endanger their fellow citizens and make our roadways unsafe,” Loomis said in the release. “I extend my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Elsa McGrain as they mourn her tragic and senseless loss.”

As the Journal-World reported, McGrain, of Omaha, Nebraska, was struck and killed around 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6, while running in the 1700 block of East 1500 Road. Klingler was arrested Sunday evening. Although he was arrested on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter, that was not among the crimes that the DA’s office charged him with.

Court records indicate that Klingler has a criminal record going back more than 20 years, including multiple DUI and drug charges. In a pending Douglas County case from April 2024, he was charged with a fourth or subsequent DUI offense, as well as methamphetamine and circumvention of an ignition interlock device. He served a prison stint in 2021 after being convicted of tampering with electronic monitoring equipment.

Klingler’s bond has been set at $500,000 cash or surety. He is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday afternoon.

A GoFundMe has been set up to raise money for a fund in memory of McGrain, “dedicated to continuing her impact through acts of care and opportunity in her name.” As of Wednesday afternoon, it had raised more than $50,000; you can find it at gofundme.com/f/support-elsa-mcgrains-family-in-their-time-of-loss.

photo by: Contributed

Elsa McGrain

This is a developing story and will be updated.