Leavenworth Man Convicted of Second-Degree Murder in 2025 Police Chase Crash

A Leavenworth man has been convicted of second-degree murder and several other crimes stemming from a police pursuit that ended in a fatal crash in 2025.

Johmelo Marki Mapp-Jenkins entered a no-contest plea on Tuesday, the second day of his jury trial. The Leavenworth County Attorney's Office accepted the plea after hearing evidence and "taking into consideration the wishes of the victim's family," according to the county attorney.

Through the plea, Mapp-Jenkins was convicted of second-degree murder, leaving the scene of a fatal accident, leaving the scene of an accident resulting in great bodily harm, aggravated battery, and fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer.

The case dates to Aug. 23, 2025, when an officer pulled Mapp-Jenkins over near Holy Angels Catholic Church on Leavenworth Road in Basehor. He had been driving 45 mph in a 30 mph zone. As the officer walked toward the vehicle, Mapp-Jenkins drove away at high speed.

According to the county attorney, he drove across a lawn during the chase and reached speeds above 95 mph. The pursuit ended when he crashed onto an embankment at the intersection of 147th and Parallel Road.

After the crash, Mapp-Jenkins tried to run from the scene, leaving his passengers unconscious inside the vehicle. The front-seat passenger died, and the passenger in the back suffered severe injuries.

In a news release, Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson said, "Fleeing from the police can only result in greater problems, injuries, and even death." He added that a driver is responsible for the safety of those inside the vehicle and those around it, and "will be held accountable when endangering the lives of others or fleeing from law enforcement."

Mapp-Jenkins remains in custody at the Leavenworth County Sheriff's Office Detention Center. He is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 13.