Kody Skaggs was sentenced to 14 years and 10 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections to be served concurrently on February 1, 2024.
On or about April 1, 2023, Kody Skaggs was operating a truck with a blood alcohol content of 0.10. When his truck left the roadway, crossed the center line and struck the side of a Mansfield Police Department patrol vehicle. The crash sent the patrol vehicle down an embankment. This crash occurred across from the Signal Store on Business 60 in Mansfield, MO. There were two people in the patrol vehicle, police officer Michael Bryson and firefighter Justin Sanders. Mr. Sanders died from his injuries. Officer Bryson received various injuries including a broken hip and ribs.
The case was investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Patrolman Justin Dedmon. Trooper Dedmon was able to obtain a blood sample that was later tested to show the blood alcohol content of Defendant. Also, Trooper Dedmon was able to obtain video showing the collision.
“This case will have a lasting impact on the community of Mansfield. Officer Bryson is a valued member of the law enforcement community. Firefighter Sanders was a phenomenal person dedicated to public service and serving the Mansfield community, and he will be missed. This collision was completely avoidable. I want to thank Trooper Dedmon for his professionalism in investigating this case.” John Tyrrell Wright County Prosecutor